ESG Program

Frederick County Government recognizes the value of our natural capital and is dedicated to preserving and protecting our environment for future generations.  In 2020, the Frederick County Council adopted a Climate Emergency Resolution, which resolved to cut greenhouse gas emissions to half of 2010 levels no later than 2030 and reduce levels 100% by 2050. The Council established an independent volunteer-based Climate Emergency Mobilization Workgroup of over 70 volunteers who invested 18,500 hours into compiling the Climate Response and Resilience Report recommendations, which guide the County Government’s actions.

Frederick County's comprehensive efforts reflect dedication to creating resiliency and addressing climate change in an economically sound way through transparent practices, data-driven plans, and programs that produce measurable, equitable results.  Key efforts include:

·        Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan: This document was updated in 2022 to ensure that efforts to reduce risk and create a safer, more disaster-resilient community account for the increased threat of climate-driven weather events, flooding, and temperature changes.

·        Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP): Serves as the roadmap to translate sustainability goals into actionable steps and align Frederick County with regional and state climate objectives. Phase one of the CEAP focused on producing a strategy for internal government operations in 2023, which emphasizes:

-  Solid analysis, tracking, and utilization of available data to better inform efforts.

-  Collaborative strategies formed with regional partners, local stakeholders, citizen groups, and individuals.

-  Assessment of and attunement to the needs of vulnerable populations.

-  Goals, policies, and procedures that support the Livable Frederick Master Plans and the Climate Response and Resilience Report.

-  Risk assessment and management, as detailed in the Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan.

CEAP phase two is currently underway and will produce a community-wide plan built on stakeholder feedback, public engagement, and community partnerships. This plan (to be released in late 2025) will further work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect public health, provide economic opportunities, increase energy independence, and save tax dollars through enhanced energy efficiency and infrastructure protection.

·        Reducing the impacts of the transportation sector: Frederick County has released two documents to guide and support the transition away from internal combustion engine vehicles. One plan for the government  fleet (Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fleet Transition Plan, 2023) as well as strategies for the broader community (Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan, 2024).

·        Supporting environmental justice: County leadership acknowledges that the impacts of climate change are not distributed equally. To understand and address environmental justice issues in our community, Frederick County launched the Green Homes Program in 2023 to make sustainability initiatives more broadly accessible, form public-private partnerships to strengthen programs, and pursue grant funding to support climate and equity goals.

·        Financial Partnerships:  Through the efforts of the Division of Energy and Environment, nearly $10 million dollars in grant funding has been brought in to support environmental work since 2023. This approach directly benefits constituents and creates a supportive environment for sustainable investments.