Frederick County and the City of Frederick today released the region’s first Community-Wide Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP). This plan is a comprehensive roadmap for tackling climate change and preparing the community for its impacts.
“Climate change is not a distant threat – it is already affecting Frederick County through rising temperatures, stronger storms, and increased flooding,” said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “This plan reflects the voices of our community and charts a clear path forward on protecting public health, strengthening our economy, and ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future for everyone.”
The CEAP is the product of more than a year of collaboration between government, people in the community, businesses, and nonprofit partners. The plan uses data and scientific analysis to find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to strengthen the county’s resilience to extreme heat, flooding, severe storms, and other climate hazards.
“The CEAP is data driven, but also and more importantly it is people driven,” says City of Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor. “It’s a collaborative effort on all fronts, between the City, County, and our community.”
More than 500 community members participated in public meetings, events, and workshops. Over 650 residents completed surveys to help shape the final plan. The CEAP recommendations directly address concerns expressed by the community such as energy affordability, data centers, farmland preservation, and expanded transportation alternatives.
The plan builds on existing local efforts and ensures that Frederick County bases its ongoing efforts on measurable, current, local data. It also aligns with state and international standards for mitigation and resilience plans.
With the CEAP’s release, Frederick County and the City of Frederick are focusing on five next steps:
- Continued community engagement and partnership building.
- Transparent reporting on climate trends.
- Piloting local solutions.
- Ensuring code compliance.
- Advocating for supportive policies.
The full Frederick Climate and Energy Action Plan is available at www.FrederickCountyMd.gov/ClimateAction.
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CONTACT: Annmarie Creamer
Communications Manager
Division of Energy & Environment
240-422-5288