January 29, 2026
Last year, the County Council unanimously voted to ban gas heating in County homes and businesses beginning in 2035. This mandate, which eliminates consumer choice, is clearly stated on page 8 of the County Staff Report ( BEPS Staff Report ).
Council leaders claim this measure is necessary to meet the County’s climate goals. I do not recall this policy ever appearing on the ballot, and I certainly would not have supported it.
Both the County Executive and the County Council have been repeatedly warned that Maryland’s electrical grid does not have sufficient capacity to meet projected demand, especially while power plants across the state are being shut down. Mandating all-electric buildings while simultaneously reducing electricity generation is a recipe for higher costs, reduced reliability, and serious unintended consequences.
Due to the passage of this legislation, there have been a myriad of lawsuits brought by businesses, the food service industry, and of course Washington Gas. We the taxpayer are paying legal fees to defend this nonsensical legislation.
While I support improving the efficiency of our built environment, I do not support policies that increase demand without ensuring adequate supply, nor do I agree with stripping residents and businesses of the freedom to choose how they heat their homes or cook their food.
I am running to represent County Council District 1. I oppose this bill, and after I’m elected, I will introduce legislation to repeal it, along with the wasteful spending required to enforce it.
My name is Reardon Sullivan, and I am asking for your support to bring common sense back to Montgomery County.
Reardon D. Sullivan, PE, LEED
Candidate for County Council, District #1
Montgomery County, MD