Montgomery County is one of four communities, chosen from among more than 100 applicants nationwide, to receive technical assistance on growth and development-related issues through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Smart Growth Implementation Program. The assistance will focus on helping the County address key issues identified in its Climate Protection Plan, including how to better forecast the greenhouse gas effects of land use changes and more precisely target transportation-related greenhouse gas reduction programs.

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett established a County Sustainability Working Group in July 2008 to develop a comprehensive, coordinated and cost-effective strategy to meet the County’s environmental goals. The group’s first action was to develop a Climate Protection Plan to meet the legislated goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80 percent by 2050.

“Montgomery County is a nationally recognized leader for its environmental initiatives, and I am very proud that we were selected for this honor by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” said Leggett. “The technical assistance we receive will help us implement additional innovative and practical solutions that are good for the environment, good for business and good for our society at large. Creating sustainable practices is essential for Montgomery County’s long term health and economic vitality.”

The County’s first Climate Protection Plan was developed in January 2009 by the Sustainability Working Group, which is comprised of leaders from County government and the community. It contains 58 specific recommendations covering seven areas: renewable energy, residential building energy efficiency, commercial/multi-family and public building energy efficiency, transportation, forestry and agriculture, long-term planning, and education and outreach.

“The County’s Sustainability Working Group has done an extraordinary job in creating a comprehensive framework for action,” said Bob Hoyt, director of Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection and co-chair of the group. “It is my hope that Smart Growth Implementation Assistance from EPA, DOT and HUD will not only advance implementation of the County’s Climate Protection Plan but provide critical policy resources and guideposts to other jurisdictions grappling with similar issues.”

EPA developed its Smart Growth Implementation Assistance program in 2005 in response to communities’ requests for help in achieving development goals in ways that incorporate smart growth techniques. Through this program, EPA provides technical assistance from nationally recognized, private-sector experts to help communities find the best tools and resources to plan for growth in ways that sustain environmental and economic progress and create a high quality of life. Assistance through the program will also be provided by the U.S. departments of Transportation (DOT) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as part of the Obama Administration’s new Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities.

EPA, DOT and HUD will assemble a team of experts who will work with County officials and community stakeholders and prepare a comprehensive report to the County. For more information on the Smart Growth Implementation Program, visit http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sgia2009.htm.

To view the County’s Climate Protection Plan, go to http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dep/Sustainability/home.asp.