Legislation originally drafted as Senate Bill 404 and sponsored by Sen. Mario Scavello (R-Monroe) to require solar energy credits generated as part of the state’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard to be purchased only in Pennsylvania became law this week when Gov. Wolf signed the Administrative Code bill-- House Bill 118 (Kaufer-R-Luzerne).

“Solar energy isn’t a niche industry anymore, it is a viable addition to our diverse energy portfolio,” said Sen. Scavello. “We have the best fabrication, engineering, manufacturing and distribution networks in the country. The solar energy industry and the clean energy sector in general, offers communities – both rural and urban – the opportunity to retool, reposition and modernize our economy to attract additional 21st century jobs.”

The 2004 Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards requires that increasing percentages of electricity sold in Pennsylvania be generated through alternative energy sources like solar energy.

Solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) are used to demonstrate compliance with the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act through the purchase of these credits from homeowners and businesses with solar panels.

However, Pennsylvania remains at a competitive disadvantage when compared to our neighboring states. Pennsylvania currently allows out-of-state systems to sell SRECs in the Commonwealth.

“Act 40 of 2017 essentially ‘closes the borders’ of the Commonwealth on SREC purchases, similar to many neighboring states,” said Sen. Scavello. “Electric distributors will now have to purchase their credits from within the Commonwealth, protecting Pennsylvania-based solar credits and putting us in line with many of our neighboring states. In addition, ‘closing the borders’ ensures that Pennsylvania ratepayers are supporting jobs, investment and tax revenue here in Pennsylvania.”

A Senate Fiscal Note and summary of the Administrative Code bill is available.

NewsClips:

Philadelphia Issues Call For Hydro Energy Projects

U.S. Trade Body Urges Restrictions On Solar Panel Imports

DOE’s Perry: Expanding Use Of Fossil Fuels Will Help Prevent Sexual Assault

Proposed GOP Federal Tax Changes End Electric Vehicle Credit, Overhauls Other Energy Taxes

Related Stories:

PEC Op-Ed: State Limps Across Budget Finish Line-The Environmental Bottom Line is No One Wins

Final Budget Bills Littered With Bad Environmental Riders; A Budget That Failed To Address ANY Environmental Shortfalls

[Posted: Nov. 2, 2017]

11/6/2017