The Solar Policy Scoop: August 2024 A guide to recent legislation and research throughout the country.
A new Michigan law gives members of homeowners associations the freedom to install solar, even if the bylaws previously prohibited it. Michigan Solar Solutions
Massachusetts legislators fail to enact siting and permitting billBoston, Massachusetts
Massachusetts legislators failed to enact an omnibus bill that would have introduced time limits for renewable energy permitting, as well as paved the way for new procurement of 5 GWh of energy storage. Clean energy advocates expressed disappointment at the bill’s detour after months of work by a diverse group of stakeholders.
New law says HOAs can’t prohibit solar installs in MichiganLansing, Michigan
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill that invalidates certain provisions in homeowners’ association agreements that prohibit installing solar panels on residences. HOAs often have language in their bylaws that prevents homeowners from adding solar panels to visible portions of their rooftops.
New Mexico accepting applications for solar tax credits for those previously deniedSante Fe, New Mexico
New Mexico’s energy department is now accepting applications for its Supplemental New Solar Market Development Tax Credit program, providing an incentive to taxpayers who were denied between 2020 and 2023 due to insufficient government funding. Customers are eligible for a tax credit up to 10% on solar costs.
Advocates file injunction to halt new California battery installer requirementsSacramento, California
A California coalition filed a motion on July 25 seeking a preliminary injunction to halt enforcement of a new rule that would restrict solar contractors from installing and servicing battery storage systems. The groups, including the California Solar & Storage Association and the Center for Biological Diversity, seek to stop the rule from going into effect on October 1.
U.S. Senators seek to block IRA dollars from Chinese companiesWashington, D.C.
A group of bipartisan U.S. senators introduced legislation that would block taxpayer money in the IRA from going to Chinese solar and clean energy companies. The bill is supported by First Solar, which has manufacturing locations in two of the cosponsors’ represented states — Ohio and Louisiana.
Bipartisan senators introduce Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024Washington, D.C.
United States Senators Joe Manchin (I-WV) and John Barrasso (R-WY) have released energy permitting reform legislation that would open federal lands to more energy development, modernize the grid and build out transmission capacity. Solar advocates praised the bill, but environmental organizations warned against the increased fossil fuel development it could trigger.
Biden-Harris Administration taps AmeriCorps for energy community green jobsWashington, D.C.
The Biden-Harris Administration has started a new project called Energy Communities AmeriCorps with a goal to increase clean energy and climate resilience jobs in previously underserved communities. The project will start with 150 full-time workers in nine federally designated energy communities.