Governor Inslee’s signature would make Washington the first state to pass climate legislation paving the way for zero net emissions by the year 2050.
New Mexico is now open to community solar
Albuquerque, New Mexico
On April 5, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a bill authorizing solar energy projects for the New Mexico community. Proponents say the addition of local solar power is an important addition to the governor’s Energy Transition Act, which sets targets to replace coal with renewable energy.
New California law would create a 30% tax credit with instant payment option for eligible microgrids
Sacramento, California
California State Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) introduced a bill that would create a 30% tax credit with a direct payment option to bolster microgrid deployment in the state. The bill would help build the necessary backup protection for electricity against power outages.
SEIA adds environmental justice to core advocacy efforts
Washington, DC
SEIA has released an environmental justice policy platform to help the organization expand equitable access to solar energy. The new goals include providing career paths to solar energy for disadvantaged communities and supporting tax policies that remove barriers to financing solar systems.
NYSEIA Report Finds Utility Area Restrictions Are Major Barrier to Community Acceptance of Solar
Albany, New York
While the New York solar community program has been successful, NYSEIA has released a report outlining the policy changes that could allow it to grow faster. To overcome the biggest hurdle, the group proposes that the state adopt cross-credit lending to allow the transfer of account credits between utility areas.
Broad coalition asks Congress to expand local rooftop solar and community for all
Washington, DC
A coalition of energy justice advocates sent a letter to Congressional leaders asking them to develop policies that prioritize the fair use of renewable energy sources. The group specifically recommends local rooftop and community solar options to bring the benefits of renewable energy to more people.
President Biden has set a new goal of halving US carbon emissions by 2030
Washington, DC
President Joe Biden announced a new goal for the United States to reduce carbon emissions by 50 to 52% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. This early goal sets an important milestone on the journey to Biden’s ultimate goal of net zero emissions. by 2050.
Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act will advance to the Inslee government’s office
Olympia, Washington
The Washington State legislature passed the Climate Commitment Act and sent the legislation to Gov. Jay Inslee’s office in late April. The bill would introduce a lowering ceiling on carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, while also stimulating investment in new infrastructure.
Michigan lawmakers are introducing bipartisan solar energy laws
Lansing, Michigan
Two-tiered Michigan lawmakers are working to open up the state’s solar market with House Bills 4715-16. The legislation would allow the development of community solar energy projects as large as 5 MW in the state.
South Carolina’s PSC rejects Dominion’s solar plan, maintains net metering
Columbia, South Carolina
The South Carolina Public Service Commission ruled in favor of the solar power industry, scrapping Dominion’s latest proposal on tariffs. Proponents warned that Dominion’s plan would have imposed disproportionate fees on rooftop solar customers and slowed the adoption of solar in the state.
West Virginia legalizes solar power purchase agreements
Charleston, West Virginia
The West Virginia legislature has passed a bill that allows for power purchase agreements in the state. PPAs give tax-exempt organizations in the state the financial opportunity to go solar by partnering with developers who then sell power back to them at a flat rate.
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