Resources to support your climate action
meaningful action and provides informational resources and weekly newsletters with updates from the County( such as community events, promotions, and alerts).
Bluebird Farmstead’ s approach to transition away from fossil fuels to zero-emission“ clean” technologies has been an opportunistic one, with watchful waiting and strategic investments to save money and energy— and the planet.
n Clean Cars. The first of these opportunities was when our car broke down and it was time to replace it. This was our chance to upgrade to an electric vehicle( EV) and take advantage of the available incentives to do so. With savings on fuel, maintenance, and taxes, our EVs are not only fun to drive but they save us money— so much so, we got two! We aren’ t alone; a recent analysis from Atlas Public Policy found that EVs save between $ 2,000- $ 8,000 in the first seven years of ownership, compared to the most popular gasoline-powered cars.
Unfortunately, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act( OBBBA) ended the EV clean vehicle tax credits early. To qualify for the federal tax credits( up to $ 7,500 for new EVs and $ 4,000 for used EVs), you have to purchase or lease an eligible vehicle on or before September 30, 2025. Maryland’ s incentives for EVs, such as up to $ 3,000 for new EVs are still available.
n Clean Heat. After needing to replace all the appliances when we moved into our home, we were left keeping our fingers crossed that the 20 + year-old AC and original oil-heat furnace would keep us comfortable for a while. Our
Resources to support your climate action
Here are some key state and local programs to help support the climate actions you may be dreaming of:
n EmPOWER Maryland: Utility-managed programs and incentives for both residential and commercial customers that can help you adopt energy-efficient practices and technologies at home or work: https:// energy. maryland. gov / pages / facts / empower. aspx
n Montgomery County Green Bank: The Montgomery County Green Bank is a publicly chartered nonprofit dedicated to accelerating energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean energy investment in Montgomery County through technical assistance and financing: https:// mcgreenbank. org /
n Maryland Clean Energy Center: The Maryland Clean Energy Center is a state-wide green bank offering a broad range of programs for homeowners and businesses: https:// www. mdcleanenergy. org /
n Maryland Energy Administration: The Maryland Energy Administration currently provides approximately $ 200 million annually in grants and rebates to Maryland residents, communities, non-profit organizations, and businesses to promote clean, affordable, reliable energy and reduce climate pollution: https:// energy. maryland. gov /
n Clean Buildings Hub and Newsletter: The Clean Buildings Hub offers financial, educational, and technical assistance to Maryland’ s building owners, with a great monthly newsletter: https:// energy. maryland. gov / Pages / MDCleanBuildingsHub. aspx
n Re-leaf the Reserve: Montgomery County Planning Department and Montgomery Countryside Alliance are partnered together to identify landowners in the Ag Reserve that are interested in reforesting portions of their property for free: https:// www. mocoalliance. org / releaf. html. After you plant your trees, help the State of Maryland track your planting with the 5-Million Trees Program: https:// five-million-tree-tracking-tool-maryland. hub. arcgis. com /