SM CERTIFICATION/RE-CERTIFICATION WEBINAR, APRIL 10

Join Sustainable MD staff on Wednesday, April 10 from 1:00 - 2:00pm for an overview of the 2024 Sustainable Maryland certification cycle and a review of the new certification tier.

For those municipalities that last became certified in 2021, we have had many new additions to our program and the certification process, including:

- A new Silver SM Certification Tier

- More than 20 new SM Actions

- New SM Action Categories: Historic Preservation and Transportation

So whether your municipality will be applying for certification for the very first time, or for re-certification this year, or you are looking for inspiration for new Actions or updating your Action Plan, please join us on April 10. See log in info below:

Zoom Information:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://umd.zoom.us/j/8277366137?pwd=dktudVpxTWtGVmR3UU1MdnFKNlRqUT09&omn=94809507698

Meeting ID: 827 736 6137

Passcode: 0BRu8m

One tap mobile

+13052241968,,8277366137# US



EFC IS HIRING FOR TWO NEW CLIMATE AND SUSTAINABILITY POSITIONS

The Environmental Finance Center is hiring for two new positions within the Climate and Sustainability Program:

Climate and Sustainability Program Assistant 

https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/117030

The Program Assistant position will partially support the Sustainable Maryland program, including:

• Participate in the SM Municipal Certification review process and provide process improvement recommendations.
• Co-lead the development of climate and energy related actions, best practices, and programming.

Climate and Sustainability Program Manager 

https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/117034

Please contact Brandy Espinola with any questions: bespinol@umd.edu



MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

SM WEDNESDAY CLIMATE ACTION WEBINARS STARTING THIS SPRING

SM will be hosting webinars every fourth Wednesday at 1:00pm starting in March on climate action. Dates are:

• March 27, 1:00-2:00pm
• April 24, 1:00-2:00pm
• May 22, 1:00-2:00pm
• June 26, 1:00-2:00pm
• July 24, 1:00-2:00pm

The following zoom link will connect attendees to all webinars:

https://umd.zoom.us/j/97802501197

Registration for specific webinars/topics coming soon.

See you then!

CLIMATE POLLUTION REDUCTION GRANT UPDATE

MDE is organizing stakeholders interested in the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants, phase 2. Please visit their website for more information. Highlights are below:

The State of Maryland is requesting stakeholder input on the Maryland Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP).

Join MDE's Monthly Info and Q&A Sessions - Register Here

• March 20, 2024 (1:00 - 2:00 pm)

Sign up for our CPRG email distribution list -

• FAQ about Maryland CPRG  
• Introducing our new shared email account for this grant program: climategrants.mde@maryland.gov



PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY'S NEW BAG IT RIGHT (BETTER BAG BILL) IN EFFECT

Effective January 1, 2024, Prince George’s County prohibits all retail establishments from providing plastic carryout bags to shoppers and, with certain exceptions*, shall charge at least 10 cents for each paper carryout or reusable bag provided to a customer.

To assist residents in making the transition, the County will provide a limited amount of free reusable bags and will announce distribution dates and locations once finalized.

Every municipality in the County is covered by this new initiative. Local Green Teams can help educate residents and businesses about doing their part to protect the environment, lower carbon emissions, and beautify their communities.

Click here for more information.