Town of Poolesville
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2024)
Reporting Period: 2024
Environmental Metrics
Renewable Energy Share:80%
ESG Focus Areas
- Renewable Energy
- Environmental Stewardship
- Community Development
Environmental Achievements
- Set a goal of transitioning the town’s operations (excluding vehicles and heavy equipment) to 100% renewable energy by 2030. Currently generates about 80% of its energy needs via solar panels.
Social Achievements
- Held a public hearing on the FY24 budget with no public comments submitted.
- Discussed and maintained the recently-passed “Chicken Ordinance”, addressing citizen concerns regarding setback requirements.
Governance Achievements
- Passed a resolution setting a 100% renewable energy target for town operations (excluding vehicles and large equipment) by 2030.
Climate Goals & Targets
Medium-term Goals:
- Achieve 100% renewable energy for town operations (excluding vehicles and heavy equipment) by 2030.
Environmental Challenges
- Concerns raised by a local citizen regarding setback requirements in the “Chicken Ordinance”.
- Slow process for securing a $1.45 million grant for Streetscape plan.
Mitigation Strategies
- Discussion and consideration of the concerns regarding the “Chicken Ordinance”, with a potential cooling-off period before making changes.
- Working with Montgomery County Police Department to address speeding concerns on Fisher Avenue through speed tracking, enforcement, and traffic-calming measures from the Streetscape plan.