Climate Assessments Required For Bills, Zoning Text Amendments, Master Plans

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — The Montgomery County Council unanimously voted today to pass legislation requiring a climate assessment be completed for each bill, zoning text amendment, master plan and master plan amendment pending before the Council.

The legislation, spearheaded by Councilmember Tom Hucker and Council President Gabe Albornoz, aims to curb climate change effects and facilitate the county’s efforts to reach its climate goals. All Councilmembers cosponsored the legislation.

“This legislation will require all bills and zoning text amendments to have a climate impact assessment, which will ensure our policies are made through a lens of sustainability and equity,” Hucker said. “These are the type of systematic changes needed to meet our ambitious climate goals.”

“This groundbreaking legislation will support local lawmakers to make impactful decisions through a climate lens and preserve the environment,” Albornoz added. “These assessments will also help to safeguard our public health, lessen poverty and minimize the impact of climate change on our County residents. I am proud to have co-led Bill 3-22 and help shape a sustainable and healthy future for all to enjoy.”

Each climate assessment would consist of the potential positive or negative effects, if any, of the bill, zoning text amendment, master plan or master plan amendment on climate change, including greenhouse gas emissions, sequestration and carbon drawdown. The assessment would provide quantitative or qualitative evaluations of the identified effects on community resilience and make recommendations regarding amendments or other measures to mitigate any negative climate impacts.