Although most states already have a renewable mandate in place, many cities have taken their own initiative on climate policy since the White House announced its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. With the passage of the 100 percent renewable energy by 2032” mandate, better known as “100 by 32,” residents of the nation’s capital joined them, courtesy of the D.C. Council. Notably absent from the Council’s deliberations, however, were discussions of cost and reliability — the real-world effects of a shift in policy.

Georgetown, Texas, offers an informative and cautionary tale on setting unrealistic renewable energy goals. The city made international news when it claimed to move to a 100 percent renewable energy supply, drawing international praise as a strong signal in the fight to combat anthropogenic climate change. Georgetown Mayor Dale Ross, however, argued that it was about “green rectangles” — dollar bills — more than anything else.