The Sierra Club Montgomery County Group announced Tuesday that they would be endorsing David Blair for Montgomery County Executive. The Sierra Club is an environmental protection and advocacy group, which has local chapters throughout all 50 states. According to their website, “the Montgomery County Maryland Group focuses on local issues, including improving public transit, maintaining clean water sources, supporting and monitoring the county’s Climate Protection Plan, and endorsing and supporting green candidates.” The Sierra Club said that Blair will be a strong and effective leader, and that he has an appealing environmental platform. In a press release, the Sierra Club said, “we understand that our endorsement of Mr. Blair will be met with surprise and even frustration by some. Montgomery County Sierra Club, though, believes that Mr. Blair is the best candidate overall to continue and expand real environmental progress in our County.”
Press Release: April 26, 2022
The Sierra Club Montgomery County Group announced its endorsement of David Blair for Montgomery County Executive. After conducting a detailed and lengthy review of the major candidates, the Sierra Club reached the conclusion that Mr. Blair will be a strong and effective leader. He combines an appealing environmental platform with personal qualities and experiences that will help him translate that platform into action.
- Tripling the county’s government-supported solar generation through power purchase agreements for large scale solar and more support for rooftop solar
- Expanding smart growth policies, including building more housing near Metro stations
- Commitment to transition government buildings to net zero
- Creating a net-zero home incentive program
- Creating a no-net-loss tree program, planting 10,000 trees a year, and ramping up programs to support health of the our existing trees
- Countywide composting pickup
- Better stormwater management and green infrastructure
- Free Ride-On bus in perpetuity, and expanded transit funding
David Blair understands the urgency of addressing climate change and is running a campaign dedicated to action. He has a bold, achievable vision for Montgomery County where we grow public transit, support walkable and bikeable communities, emphasize smart growth and jobs in Montgomery County, and do our part to contribute to Maryland’s transformation to relying on clean energy located in-state. David will help grow renewable energy development by investing in the expansion of solar power generation; more transit by bringing Ride-On into the 21st century and supporting real Bus Rapid Transit with dedicated lanes. He has a track record of executive leadership and is dedicated to working for the public good.
We remain steadfastly opposed to Governor Hogan’s plan. It would be an environmental and financial disaster, attract more drivers which would increase greenhouse gas emissions and other toxic pollution, and adversely impact our communities, parks, tree canopy, and local waterways. It also would not reduce traffic congestion for the majority, just serving the few able to pay the high tolls.