Montgomery County, Maryland, capped off Earth Week 2023 with the annual GreenFest in the City event in downtown Wheaton. Featured this year was a vision for the county’s all electric future, and demonstrations on how to 鈥済reen up鈥� your life.
鈥淭he county is converting. We鈥檙e going electric, and we want you to come along with us,” said Cindy Pe帽a with the county鈥檚 Department of Environmental Protection.
鈥淚t really is about 鈥榞reening鈥� your home and your commute,鈥� she said.
Pe帽a said one of the main ways they’re promoting sustainability is through education and introducing them to green practices, as well as making the most of solar and electric energy sources.
In addition to kids activities, music, food, and showcasing green organizations, a full slate of electric vehicles (EVs) were on display. Pe帽a said the county is increasing its support for new EV drivers.
鈥淭here鈥檚 going to be information here about EV charging at home, and also about EV charging in the community,鈥� she said.
Pe帽a says it鈥檚 all part of a countywide commitment to make electric vehicles more accessible for everyone.
JD Taylor, president of the Maryland Tesla Owners Association, said the reason 鈥渆veryone should be thinking about going electric is for the pollution factor.鈥�
Taylor, who says he’s had EV’s since 2017, told 草莓传媒 GreenFest is the perfect opportunity for residents to learn more about electric vehicles.
鈥淭hey can learn from the owners rather than from dealerships and such,” he said. “They can actually hear from owners about what the pros and cons are.鈥�
Taylor says he’s optimistic events like this will help steer people toward a sustainable future, adding there鈥檚 still work needed to make electric vehicles more accessible.
“Hopefully in the next two years, it鈥檒l be really good. It鈥檚 just not there yet. We need a lot more charging stations, and a lot faster charging stations,” he said.
