The Solar Policy Scoop: March 2023 A guide to recent legislation and research throughout the country.

New Illinois law prevents counties from banning local wind and solar projectsSpringfield, Illinois

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a law prohibiting counties from enacting pre-emptive local ordinances that outright ban local wind and solar projects. Over a dozen local bans were initiated before this legislation, but the state law will now take precedence over those bans and help Illinois reach clean energy goals.

New coalition urges California to create Western Regional Transmission OrganizationSacramento, California

A coalition called Lights on California, which includes SEIA and other clean energy organizations, is pushing the state to create a Western Regional Transmission Organization to establish shared energy governance across 11 western states. The coalition argues that an RTO like this could help all western states meet renewable energy goals and decrease consumer cost of energy.

Treasury releases first guidance on low-income and tribal ITC addersWashington, D.C.

The Dept. of the Treasury issued initial guidance on the Inflation Reduction Act’s ITC adders for low-income and tribal solar projects. The Dept. of Energy will be the administrator of the program and will begin accepting applications for solar projects benefitting low-income residential buildings and low-income households in Q3 2023.

New Georgia bill would expand community solar access and net-metering capsAtlanta, Georgia

A new bill in Georgia would improve and expand community solar by allowing tax-exempt customers to aggregate demand from multiple locations and subscribe to an off-site solar facility under 3 MW. The bill would also raise the rooftop solar program cap from 0.2% to 5% of the prior year annual peak demand to give markets time to mature.

Biden imposes 200% tariff on Russian aluminum importsWashington, D.C.

The Biden Administration signed a proclamation that imposes a 200% tariff on aluminum imports from Russia, calling such imports a threat to national security, according to an investigation conducted by the Secretary of Commerce. Aluminum is a common material found in solar panel frames and racking and structural mounts used on PV arrays.

Gov. Murphy accelerates New Jersey’s 100% clean energy goal by 15 yearsTrenton, New Jersey

Gov. Phil Murphy announced an executive order that includes an accelerated goal for New Jersey to reach 100% clean energy by 2035, 15 years earlier than the previous target. The governor also created new goals for electrification of homes, commercial properties and low- to moderate-income (LMI) properties.

Maryland bill would boost residential rooftop solar grantsAnnapolis, Maryland

New legislation sponsored by Maryland Sen. Brian J. Feldman and Delegate Lily Qi would increase the state’s residential clean energy grant from $1,000 to $5,000 to incentivize rooftop solar installations. The Maryland Rooftop Solar Coalition is pushing for this legislation to revitalize the state’s solar industry and expand equitable access.

New legislation would reform Vermont’s Renewable Energy StandardMontpelier, Vermont

New legislation in Vermont would reform the state’s 2015 Renewable Energy Standard, which advocates say has led to over-reliance on existing renewable energy resources to meet standards. If the bill passes, it will require Vermont utilities to get 60% of their power from new renewables.