Montgomery County To Require Decarbonized New Construction

Under a new bill, most new buildings will be banned from using natural gas in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shift to all-electric power.

1 minute read

December 1, 2022, 5:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


View looking up at multi-story building on commercial street in Bethesda, Maryland

Nicole Glass Photography / Bethesda, Maryland

Writing in DCist, Callan Tansill-Suddath describes a new bill passed in Montgomery County that will require most new buildings to be powered exclusively by electricity. “The Comprehensive Building Decarbonization bill, introduced by outgoing At-Large Councilmember Hans Riemer, will require the County Executive to issue all-electric building standards for most new construction in the county.”

According to the article, “Certain buildings will be exempt from the requirements, including commercial kitchens, crematories, and buildings used for manufacturing.” Some types of buildings will get an additional year to meet the new requirements.

The bill comes on the heels of the county’s June 2021 Climate Action Plan, which sets a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2027.

Tuesday, November 29, 2022 in DCist

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

For Lease painted on window of vacant commercial space.

2024: The Year in Zoning

Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.

January 8, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Cyclist on bike in green painted bike lane at intersection with three-story buildings in background.

NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide

The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.

January 8, 2025 - National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)

Close-up of person on bike wearing backpack riding on city street.

Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’

Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.

January 14, 2025 - Streetsblog California

Close-up of person holding hand-written "Affordable Homes Now!" sign.

America’s Housing Crisis: Lessons Ignored and Challenges Ahead

A recent study reveals how decades of policy missteps, demographic shifts, and economic forces fueled America’s housing crisis, leaving millions — especially millennials — struggling amid rising demand, racial disparities, and climate-driven emergencies.

3 hours ago - USC Today

Homes in Altadena, California with mountains in background on a sunny day.

Altadena’s Resilience: Restoring a Fire-Ravaged Community

The Eaton Fire has devastated Altadena, destroying homes, cultural landmarks, and community institutions, while residents rally to rebuild and preserve the town's rich history, diversity, and neighborly character.

5 hours ago - NBC News

View up at Chicago elevated train line with train passing and glass high-rises in background.

Chicago Transit Leaders Call for $1.5B Funding Package

Public transit across the Chicagoland region could suffer massive cuts without additional funding.

7 hours ago - Bloomberg CityLab