The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will receive more than $2.1 million in federal and state awards to advance programs that lower energy costs for low and moderate-income residents, and support planting and caring for new trees to expand the County’s forests and tree canopy.

U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, and Rep. Jamie Raskin secured more than $1.6 million in federal funding for DEP initiatives via congressionally directed spending (Senate) and community project funding (House). The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has also awarded $500,000 to DEP through the FY2026 State Revitalization Programs.

These investments will support DEP’s Tree Montgomery and reforestation programs in expanding tree canopy and forests throughout the County. DEP’s Healthy, Efficient, Electrified, Climate-Adapted Pilot (HEECAP) Homes Grants Program received funding to provide grants to competitively selected community partners that identify low- to moderate-income households and deliver electrification, pre-weatherization, and climate-resilience improvements.

Nonprofit organizations may apply for HEECAP funding online by April 22, 2026.

The County’s Office of Grants Management website hosts the DHCD‑funded grant application and the County-funded grant application.

Federal Funding 

• $850,000 for the Healthy, Efficient, Electrified, Climate-Adapted Pilot Homes Grants Program: This funding addresses a significant need in Montgomery County, where many income-eligible homes are deferred from Maryland’s weatherization programs due to health and safety concerns. The HEECAP program will help repair these homes so residents can benefit from available efficiency and weatherization services, reducing energy burdens, improving indoor air quality, and preventing home deterioration.

• $785,000 for Strategic Reforestation and Habitat Restoration: This funding will allow DEP to plant 1,000 new shade trees on private and public properties, structurally prune an additional 1,000 young shade trees on strategically selected County-owned land, and expand reforestation efforts. The project will increase tree canopy, reduce soil erosion, protect water supplies, improve water quality, and enhance biodiversity.

“We fight every year to deliver targeted federal investments where they can make a real difference in our communities,” said Sen. Van Hollen. “With these funds, our local partners can move forward with efforts to help residents lower their energy bills and protect precious natural resources – smart initiatives that will enhance the overall quality of life in Montgomery County.”

“Gas prices, rent, groceries, and electricity costs are way too high. That’s why I am so proud to partner with Senator Van Hollen to actually lower costs for Marylanders,” said Sen. Alsobrooks. “This $1.6 million in federal investment will lower electricity costs for Maryland families while also advancing our environmental goals.”

“Even at a time of chaos and polarization, we’re making major investments across Maryland’s beautiful Eighth Congressional District, from improving public safety to supporting workforce development and upgrading critical transportation and water infrastructure,” said Rep. Raskin. “At a time when Donald Trump and his team work every day to drain our democracy of resources and undermine our institutions, it’s a small but significant victory for the people of Montgomery County to see our taxpayer dollars come home to strengthen our community.”