December solar policy snapshots A guide to recent legislation and research throughout the country.

All eyes are on the Senate as it debates the Build Back Better Act, which is full of solar industry provisions.

Build Back Better Act makes progress
Washington, D.C.

The House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act in November, which contains numerous provisions to help grow all solar markets as well as domestic manufacturing. The bill now moves to the Senate. If changes are made in that chamber, the bill goes back to the House for approval before making its way to President Joe Biden.

New York State vows to expand solar training resources for Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
Albany, New York

During a recent visit to the territory, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul committed to expand solar deployment and workforce development support in both Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The state will provide new curriculum and permitting and financing expertise to support solar growth on the islands.

Solar industry asks Massachusetts to implement SMART program expansion
Boston, Massachusetts

SEIA and Massachusetts State Rep. Jeffrey Roy are urging the Dept. of Public Utilities to implement the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program or risk jeopardizing 2030 clean energy goals. The SMART Program was finalized in 2020 but has not been implemented yet due to bureaucratic delays.

New Jersey governor sets new interim greenhouse gas reduction goal
Trenton, New Jersey

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order setting an interim goal for greenhouse gas reductions on the way to 80% by 2050. The new order establishes an early target of 50% below 2006 levels by 2030.

Florida legislature considers ending solar net metering
Tallahassee, Florida

Florida Sen. Jennifer Bradley introduced SB 1024, which would “redesign” net metering to “avoid cross-subsidization of electric service costs between classes of ratepayers.” Solar industry groups are asking lawmakers to reject the bill.

California solar + storage licensing discussion continues with stakeholders
Sacramento, California

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) held a virtual meeting on the licenses required to install solar + storage systems in the state at the end of November. The board decided to allow the solar industry and union electricians to work together to come up with new regulatory language by the March 2022 CSLB meeting.

U.S. International Trade Commission recommends extension of solar tariffs
Washington, D.C.

The U.S. International Trade Commission recommended an extension of Section 201 global safeguard tariffs on solar cells and modules on Nov. 24. President Biden now has discretion to take this recommendation into consideration and make a final decision.

Solar advocates work with Duke Energy on new North Carolina net-metering program
Raleigh, North Carolina

Solar business and clean energy advocates signed an agreement with Duke Energy supporting the implementation of a new net-metering program in North Carolina. If approved by the NC Utilities Commission, customers will have qualify for a direct rebate for installing solar.

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Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/12/december-2021-solar-policy-snapshots/