News Flash

Over $5 Million in Federal Funds Frozen or in Flux for DEE

Original article from the Frederick News Post, by Gabrielle Lewis published on March 7, 2025More than $5.5 million in federal grants for Frederick County’s Division of Energy and Environment are in limbo because their funding is in jeopardy, putting several planned projects at risk.Five of those grants, totaling about $4.5 million, were frozen as of Friday, according to Division Director Shannon Moore.One environmental justice grant of about $997,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been repeatedly frozen and unfrozen.The division is one of several entities experiencing interruptions in accessing funding in light of a federal freeze — one that two federal judges have blocked, according to The Associated Press.The division’s page listing its grants indicates six grants totaling $5,529,043 that are “currently in question due to federal freezes, suspensions, and fiscal and judicial reviews.”Janet Fogle, the division’s grants manager, said most of these grants are reimbursable funds.That means the county has to pay for project expenses up front and provide proof of the expenses before the federal government gives it money to pay those expenses back.The county can cover the costs for a couple of projects it was awarded federal funding for — but several others likely won’t proceed if the division doesn’t get the money.“One of the things that our agency has historically worked really hard to do is find available federal funding and bring it back to put it to work in our community,” said Annmarie Creamer, the division’s communications manager.“So when we lose funds like this, it really severs that tie, that connection between the federal funds and how we can make a positive impact using them here locally.”Several initiatives, including efforts to create more green homes for low-income households, have been put on pause due to financial uncertainty.Moore said the county was using its grant from the EPA to help low-income households get HVAC replacements and put additional air monitors into communities and schools to figure out any air-quality issues.The county already has an air-quality monitoring program, and this grant allowed the county to expand that into schools. But the monitors from that expansion aren’t being read now.The grant came through the EPA’s Environmental Justice Government-to-Government Program, which funds government initiatives to improve environmental and public health impacts in areas disproportionately impacted by environmental harms, according to the EPA’s website.There were also several sub-awardees of the grant, such as the Asian American Center of Frederick and Mobilize Frederick, who were going to help the county with outreach to low-income households for services like home safety repairs.Moore said one employee’s salary came from the grant, and the person’s role was converted into an open county position. Half of another employee’s salary was funded by the grant, as well.Moore said the county just doesn’t have the money to continue initiatives paid for by the EPA grant.“The loss of that grant is pretty sad,” she said.A grant of $1.2 million that Congress set aside for a microgrid for the Prospect Center on Himes Avenue is also up in the air.The microgrid would be the first in the state to support 911 call center and emergency operations and would allow the Prospect Center to run independently of the electric grid in the event of a power outage.Moore said there also was supposed to be a “community resilience hub,” so vulnerable people, such as individuals who rely on medical equipment like oxygen machines, have a safe place to go.Moore said the county was about to get the funding award, but it hasn’t been given to the county yet. She said no work had been started yet on the microgrid.“I don’t know what’s going to happen with that one,” she said.Frederick County was supposed to get two different grants of $80,000 and about $2.2 million, respectively, to install electric vehicle chargers.Moore said the county won’t move forward with those installations without the federal money.The county has decided to keep proceeding with a stream restoration project in Point of Rocks and its Green Homes Appliance Rebate Program.The stream restoration would’ve been funded by a U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency grant of $817,200.In 2015, the county decided to spend about $1.5 million to create a restoration plan for an unnamed stream in Point of Rocks, which has caused flooding on multiple properties due to its instability. The county started work on the project in 2018.Moore said part of the project includes removing a “high-hazard dam.” If this dam broke, it could be dangerous for people, buildings and infrastructure downstream — including the MARC Brunswick train station.“That project is in the middle of construction, and so we are continuing with that project at this time, even though the Maryland Department of Emergency Management has told us that FEMA froze this grant,” she said. “... We feel like it’s in the interest of public safety to continue.”The appliance rebate program would’ve been funded by a grant of $81,250 from the Department of Energy.The program helps make Energy Star appliance upgrades more affordable for low- to moderate-income households. Rebates can cover up to 65% of the cost of a new appliance.“The amount [left] was small enough that we could cover it,” Moore said.The division has had trouble reaching federal employees about funding. Moore said the employees have insinuated to the division that they’re being told to not speak to grantees.Creamer said these freezes are slowing the county’s progress toward its goals, but the county is still aiming to achieve them.“We’ve always been tiny but mighty, and now, we’re just tinier and mightier,” Moore said.

Division of Energy & Environment News

Posted on March 01, 2025

Division of Energy & Environment News

6 news items

Frederick County Announces the 2025 Sustainability Award Winners

The Frederick County Sustainability Commission and the Division of Energy and Environment have announced this year’s Sustainability Award recipients.

FREDERICK, Md.– The Frederick County Sustainability Commission and the Division of Energy and Environment have announced this year’s Sustainability Award recipients. The nominees and award winners were recognized during the annual Green Homes Program Recognition Event held on October 20. Honorees were selected based on their leadership, innovation, and success in furthering Frederick County’s sustainability goals.
The awards were presented as follows:
Tree Trekkers – Category: Commercial Enterprise- 50 or Fewer Employees. This local business has preserved thirty acres of forest in a rapidly developing area of the county, offering an outdoor recreation experience that gets people “off the screen and into the green”. Through invasive species removal, native plant restoration, and pollinator gardens, Tree Trekkers is fostering environmental stewardship, clean air, and sustainable lifestyles for future generations.
Frederick County Department of Social Services Green Team – Category: Commercial Enterprise- Over 50 Employees. Staff from this social services agency actively support environmental education and action through community cleanup events, native gardens, tree plantings, and recycling initiatives. They also form local partnerships to lead collaborative events and eco-educational presentations.
Frederick County Master Gardeners – Category: Nonprofit Organization. This group of dedicated volunteers educates people on sustainable “Bay-Wise” landscaping practices that protect local ecosystems and watersheds. Through their demonstration garden and extensive public outreach on composting, native plants, and low-impact gardening principles, they empower individuals to create healthier, more resilient environments right at home.
Wild Sprouts Inc – Category: Nonprofit Organization. A nature-based nonprofit that fosters environmental stewardship through outdoor early childhood education rooted in sustainability, conservation, and hands-on learning. From waste-free practices and native ecosystem lessons, to green administrative operations and community partnerships, Wild Sprouts models what it means to live and teach sustainability every day.
VT Seva Maryland – Category: Student Group. Empowering youth to lead sustainability efforts through upcycling events, battery recycling drives, native plantings, and community education programs across Frederick County. VT Seva Maryland fosters a culture of conscious living and combines environmental action with public awareness, STEAM education, and civic engagement. Students are empowered to take individual action and make a collective impact.
Sarah Frost – Category: Individual. A leader of the Brunswick Green Team, she helped attain Sustainable Maryland certification for the City of Brunswick, bringing sustainability to the forefront of local planning and development. Through plant restoration, invasive species removal, and many collaborative projects, her leadership has left a lasting mark on the city’s environmental future.
Lauren Paulet-Miller – Category: Individual. A transformative leader of environmental efforts across the City of Frederick, from launching a composting program to securing Maryland’s first Bird City designation, Lauren champions sustainable practices through grassroots education. Her work seamlessly blends advocacy, accessibility, and daily action—making Frederick a model for community-driven climate resilience, wildlife protection, and waste reduction.
Deborah Portney – Category: Individual. A dedicated environmental advocate who has empowered the Frederick community to restore native habitats through education, hands-on volunteerism, and the founding of the Wildlife Habitat Advisory Program. Through invasive species removal, native planting, free seed swaps, and collaborative site visits, Deb’s work builds critical habitat corridors that support birds, pollinators, and wildlife across the region.
The Frederick County Division of Energy and Environment serves as the agency liaison to the Frederick County Sustainability Commission. The Sustainability Commission's mission is to represent the natural environment's critical relevance in making community decisions that will sustain for all time a healthy, abundant, affordable, and inspiring place to live and work. Community members are encouraged to learn more and get involved at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/DEE.
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Division of Energy & Environment News

Posted on October 30, 2025
Frederick County's Green Homes Program Receives Regional Climate & Energy Leadership Award

Program awarded for making sustainability more affordable and accessible for more local households.

FREDERICK, Md.– The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has honored Frederick County Government’s Green Homes Program with a 2025 Climate and Energy Leadership Award for innovation in community sustainability programs. The award recognizes organizations that demonstrate outstanding leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing energy efficiency, clean energy, and community resilience.
“Climate action and community equity go hand in hand,” said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “Frederick County’s Green Homes Program is helping families save money, improve comfort and health, and reduce their environmental impact. This award highlights that by combining grants, community engagement, and personal support, we’re building a sustainable network that reaches every corner of our community.”
The Green Homes Program, led by the Frederick County Division of Energy and Environment, was recognized for its equitable, community-based approach to helping residents create affordable, sustainable, and resilient homes.
The program provides connects people with financial incentives, practical information, and interactive programs that help create more affordable and eco-friendly homes. The Division of Energy and Environment works with trusted community partners to make sustainable living accessible to all—especially low- and moderate-income households.
Over the past year, the Green Homes Program has:
Provided personalized navigation to help 760+ households receive energy efficiency appliance upgrades and home improvements, green tax incentives, and financial rebates.
Delivered no-cost energy audits and upgrades through the Power Saver Retrofits initiative, saving participating households an average of $780 per year on utility bills.
Engaged more than 16,000 community members through outreach events and online education.
Provided households a way to measure their impact through the Green Homes Challenge, whose participants collectively reduced 15,000 tons of CO₂ emissions and saved 40 million gallons of water last year.
The program works across four main areas—Green Incentives, Green Compass, Green Partnerships, and the Green Homes Challenge—that create a comprehensive and inclusive model for community sustainability. To learn more or get involved, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/GreenHomes.
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Division of Energy & Environment News

Posted on October 22, 2025
Stormwater Management: Protecting Ecology and Public Safety

Collaborative County Project Meets Multiple Goals

FREDERICK, Md. - Frederick County has successfully completed the Point of Rocks Stream Restoration and Pond Decommissioning Project, which enhances environmental resilience, community access, and public safety. A key component of the County’s Capital Improvement Plan, this milestone marks a collaborative achievement involving the Division of Public Works, the Division of Parks & Recreation, and the Division of Energy & Environment.
“This project highlights Frederick County’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and environmental stewardship,” said County Executive Fitzwater. “By working together across divisions and with our federal partners, we have improved public safety, enhanced natural habitats, and created new recreational opportunities that connect our community.”
The project, which was completed in two phases, addressed environmental concerns and community needs by removing a hazardous dam located near the MARC train station, C&O Canal National Historical Park, and the Potomac River. The dam and an associated pond had become safety risks. Hydrologic and hydraulic analysis showed the failure of the existing dam embankment could have resulted in an approximately 4-foot “wall of water” being released onto private property, vehicles, and public infrastructure downstream.
Upstream of the dam, streambank erosion and pollution were contributing to ecological decline. This area of county-owned property was formed by older stormwater management methods no longer in compliance with Maryland Department of the Environment standards. As such, severe streambank erosion was occurring, leading to loss of trees and high levels of sediment in the aging stormwater pond.
Phase I of the project, completed in 2019, restored the stream, improved floodwater storage capacity, filtered pollutants, enhanced the riparian buffer, replaced a worn-out pedestrian bridge, and removed a flood-prone building. The native trees and shrubs planted at this stage have flourished, signaling a successful ecological recovery.
Public input gathered during the ongoing project indicated that members of the community had historically used the site's earthen dam as a path to access the MARC train station. Phase II of the project removed the dam and replaced it with a pedestrian bridge and newly constructed walking trail. These updates provide safe and direct access from Gibbons Road to Bank Street and connect the neighborhood to the Point of Rocks Community Park.
All together, the project restored over 1,000 of stream channel using natural design techniques and planted over 800 native trees and shrubs. With the flow of water no longer being obstructed by a dam, the improved habitat will allow native species such as the migratory American Eel to enter the area. A video spotlight on Phase I of the project can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPa0nhdqdl0.

Division of Energy & Environment News

Posted on July 07, 2025
Frederick County and City Release Draft Climate and Energy Action Plan

Public Encouraged to Review and Submit Feedback by August 22

Members of the community are encouraged to review and share feedback on Frederick County Government’s and the City of Frederick’s first Community Climate and Energy Action Plan by August 22, 2025. This plan outlines strategies to reduce the drivers of climate change and to prepare residents, businesses, and neighborhoods for local climate impacts.
Our region is already feeling the effects of a changing climate, including more intense rainstorms and hotter summers. These shifts impact our infrastructure, economy, environment, and community health. In response, Frederick County Government and the City of Frederick are taking steps to both reduce the emissions that contribute to climate change and to strengthen the community’s resilience.
Throughout 2025, the County and City have collaborated with a diverse group of stakeholders and community members to develop the draft Community Climate and Energy Action Plan.
Community feedback will help shape the final version of the plan, which is expected to be released later this year. The public is invited to:
Read the draft plan.
Learn more about the project and timeline.
Sign up for updates.
Share comments by August 22, 2025.
Visit www.PublicInput.com/ClimateActionFrederick to get involved. The online portal has background information, a project timeline, event dates, relevant documents, and forms to submit comments or sign up for updates.
Division of Energy & Environment News

Posted on August 11, 2025
Frederick County Sustainability Commission Seeks Nominations for 2025 Sustainability Awards

Application period now open for annul award program recognizing local green leaders.

FREDERICK, Md. - Do you know a local environmental champion? The Frederick County Sustainability Commission (FCSC) is now accepting applications for its annual Sustainability Awards, celebrating individuals, students, businesses, and organizations that go above and beyond in their commitment to a greener future. The nomination period is open through July 15, 2025.
Each year, the Sustainability Awards honor those who make a difference for the environment and their community. The award recognizes actions such as energy efficiency initiatives, improving air and water quality, promoting renewable energy, conserving resources, enhancing natural habitats, or finding innovative ways to help Frederick County "go green."
“The Sustainability Awards shine a light on the incredible work happening across our community,” said Tiara Lester, Project Manager for the County’s Division of Energy and Environment. “We want to recognize the leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are helping Frederick County become a healthier, more resilient place to live and work.”
Award winners will be selected by the Frederick County Sustainability Commission, a volunteer group that provides guidance to local government on sustainability issues and advocates for environmentally responsible policies and practices. Winners will be announced in fall and honored at a special recognition event.
If you or someone you know is making a difference for our environment, submit an application today! Information on the program, including past award winners and an online application, are available at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/SustainabilityAwards. Questions may be emailed to Sustainability@FrederickCountyMD.gov. To learn about other sustainability, watershed protection, climate mitigation, environmental justice initiatives in Frederick County, follow the Division of Energy and Environment on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky @SustainableFCMD.

Division of Energy & Environment News

Posted on April 02, 2025
Over $5 Million in Federal Funds Frozen or in Flux for DEE

More than $5.5 million in federal grants for Frederick County’s Division of Energy and Environment are in limbo, putting several planned projects at risk.

Original article from the Frederick News Post, by Gabrielle Lewis published on March 7, 2025More than $5.5 million in federal grants for Frederick County’s Division of Energy and Environment are in limbo because their funding is in jeopardy, putting several planned projects at risk.
Five of those grants, totaling about $4.5 million, were frozen as of Friday, according to Division Director Shannon Moore.
One environmental justice grant of about $997,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been repeatedly frozen and unfrozen.
The division is one of several entities experiencing interruptions in accessing funding in light of a federal freeze — one that two federal judges have blocked, according to The Associated Press.
The division’s page listing its grants indicates six grants totaling $5,529,043 that are “currently in question due to federal freezes, suspensions, and fiscal and judicial reviews.”
Janet Fogle, the division’s grants manager, said most of these grants are reimbursable funds.
That means the county has to pay for project expenses up front and provide proof of the expenses before the federal government gives it money to pay those expenses back.
The county can cover the costs for a couple of projects it was awarded federal funding for — but several others likely won’t proceed if the division doesn’t get the money.
“One of the things that our agency has historically worked really hard to do is find available federal funding and bring it back to put it to work in our community,” said Annmarie Creamer, the division’s communications manager.
“So when we lose funds like this, it really severs that tie, that connection between the federal funds and how we can make a positive impact using them here locally.”
Several initiatives, including efforts to create more green homes for low-income households, have been put on pause due to financial uncertainty.
Moore said the county was using its grant from the EPA to help low-income households get HVAC replacements and put additional air monitors into communities and schools to figure out any air-quality issues.
The county already has an air-quality monitoring program, and this grant allowed the county to expand that into schools. But the monitors from that expansion aren’t being read now.
The grant came through the EPA’s Environmental Justice Government-to-Government Program, which funds government initiatives to improve environmental and public health impacts in areas disproportionately impacted by environmental harms, according to the EPA’s website.
There were also several sub-awardees of the grant, such as the Asian American Center of Frederick and Mobilize Frederick, who were going to help the county with outreach to low-income households for services like home safety repairs.
Moore said one employee’s salary came from the grant, and the person’s role was converted into an open county position. Half of another employee’s salary was funded by the grant, as well.
Moore said the county just doesn’t have the money to continue initiatives paid for by the EPA grant.
“The loss of that grant is pretty sad,” she said.
A grant of $1.2 million that Congress set aside for a microgrid for the Prospect Center on Himes Avenue is also up in the air.
The microgrid would be the first in the state to support 911 call center and emergency operations and would allow the Prospect Center to run independently of the electric grid in the event of a power outage.
Moore said there also was supposed to be a “community resilience hub,” so vulnerable people, such as individuals who rely on medical equipment like oxygen machines, have a safe place to go.
Moore said the county was about to get the funding award, but it hasn’t been given to the county yet. She said no work had been started yet on the microgrid.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen with that one,” she said.
Frederick County was supposed to get two different grants of $80,000 and about $2.2 million, respectively, to install electric vehicle chargers.
Moore said the county won’t move forward with those installations without the federal money.
The county has decided to keep proceeding with a stream restoration project in Point of Rocks and its Green Homes Appliance Rebate Program.
The stream restoration would’ve been funded by a U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency grant of $817,200.
In 2015, the county decided to spend about $1.5 million to create a restoration plan for an unnamed stream in Point of Rocks, which has caused flooding on multiple properties due to its instability. The county started work on the project in 2018.
Moore said part of the project includes removing a “high-hazard dam.” If this dam broke, it could be dangerous for people, buildings and infrastructure downstream — including the MARC Brunswick train station.
“That project is in the middle of construction, and so we are continuing with that project at this time, even though the Maryland Department of Emergency Management has told us that FEMA froze this grant,” she said. “... We feel like it’s in the interest of public safety to continue.”
The appliance rebate program would’ve been funded by a grant of $81,250 from the Department of Energy.
The program helps make Energy Star appliance upgrades more affordable for low- to moderate-income households. Rebates can cover up to 65% of the cost of a new appliance.
“The amount [left] was small enough that we could cover it,” Moore said.
The division has had trouble reaching federal employees about funding. Moore said the employees have insinuated to the division that they’re being told to not speak to grantees.
Creamer said these freezes are slowing the county’s progress toward its goals, but the county is still aiming to achieve them.
“We’ve always been tiny but mighty, and now, we’re just tinier and mightier,” Moore said.

Division of Energy & Environment News

Posted on March 01, 2025

Over $5 Million in Federal Funds Frozen or in Flux for DEE

Division of Energy & Environment News

Frederick County Announces the 2025 Sustainability Award Winners

Frederick County's Green Homes Program Receives Regional Climate & Energy Leadership Award

Stormwater Management: Protecting Ecology and Public Safety

Frederick County and City Release Draft Climate and Energy Action Plan

Frederick County Sustainability Commission Seeks Nominations for 2025 Sustainability Awards

Over $5 Million in Federal Funds Frozen or in Flux for DEE