Research by F Minus finds that many of Maryland’s biggest lobbying firms are working as “double agents” on the climate crisis, simultaneously representing fossil fuel companies and climate-stricken local governments, schools, and nonprofit organizations. Among these double agents are firms working for the City of Rockville and Baltimore Gas & Electric, the City of Baltimore and Sunoco, and Prince George’s County and the American Petroleum Institute.
In 2022, the City of Rockville adopted a Climate Action Plan with goals to increase the Maryland Renewable Energy Standard, increase the number of private solar installations in the city, and increase the number of solar systems installed on city-owned buildings and property. Yet Rockville shares the lobbying firm of Schwartz, Metz, Wise & Kauffman with BGE, a gas utility that has consistently blocked legislation that would help Maryland transition toward solar energy and away from climate-killing gas.
The Problem
- In 2024, the City of Rockville testified in favor of state legislation (HB 1435) that would enhance economic incentives for people to switch to solar energy. Yet BGE testified that the bill would destabilize the state’s energy supply and endanger BGE’s ability to provide “superior service” to its customers. Why is Rockville spending tax-payer dollars on a lobbying firm that represents a company opposed to the city’s pro-solar agenda?
- In 2024, the firm of Schwartz, Metz, Wise & Kauffman lobbied in favor of two environmental bills that the City of Rockville supported: SB 915, dealing with invasive plant species; and HB 1055, dealing with the regulation of salt on roads, which environmental groups support because salt run-off threatens the Chesapeake Bay. Yet methane emissions from burning gas are driving global warming, disrupting habitats and spreading invasive species, and threatening the Bay.
- As exposed by an F Minus audit of lobbyist disclosures, this lobbying firm failed to comply with a requirement to list the numbers of the bills on which it lobbied for BGE, disclosing only that it worked on “Legislation related to energy and the environment.” For its work for Rockville, by contrast, the firm diligently disclosed more than a dozen bills.
The Solution
Call on Rockville’s Mayor and City Council to adopt a policy of not working with lobbying firms who represent fossil fuel clients.
Contact Rockville City officials today!
Hello Mayor Ashton and Rockville City Councilmembers:
I’m writing to express my concern about Rockville employing a lobbying firm that also lobbies for Baltimore Gas and Electric.
In 2022, the City of Rockville adopted a Climate Action Plan with goals to increase the Maryland Renewable Energy Standard, increase the number of private solar installations in the city, and increase the number of solar systems installed on city-owned buildings and property. Yet Rockville shares the lobbying firm of Schwartz, Metz, Wise & Kauffman with BGE, a gas utility that has consistently blocked legislation that would help Maryland transition toward solar energy and away from climate-killing gas.
In 2024, the City of Rockville testified in favor of state legislation (HB 1435) that would enhance economic incentives for people to switch to solar energy. Yet BGE testified that the bill would destabilize the state’s energy supply and endanger BGE’s ability to provide “superior service” to its customers. Why is Rockville spending tax-payer dollars on a lobbying firm that represents a company opposed to the city’s pro-solar agenda?
I would greatly appreciate the chance to speak with you and any of your colleagues about this issue.
Sincerely,