The Montgomery county council in Maryland declared a “climate emergency” in 2017. It pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions 80% by the year 2027. However, in the past three years, the council and County Executive Marc Elrich have passed no concrete legislation to significantly cut climate emissions.

The council voted against permitting a limited amount of solar production on agricultural land. This power would’ve been used by mostly by low- and moderate-income families. 

And because of this anti-solar vote, a local solar company announced that it would leave. This vote was a poor economic decision that could cost local jobs and future solar projects.