Gov. Christie proposes alternative to solar energy legislation In N.J.

A major overhaul of the state’s energy industry was blocked last week because Governor Christie had concerns about how much solar power the proposal demands utilities produce, officials familiar with the bill said.

The overhaul could help Passaic County to decide whether to restart a solar project that was tabled last year, after it failed to attract bidders, The Record of Woodland Park reported.

NJ Governor Christie unveils final draft of energy master plan

Reaction to Gov. Chris Christie's final energy master plan draft was mixed, but solar industry advocates endorsed the changes to the plan intended to stabilize the market for a key incentive.

The plan, which requires legislative approval, serves as the outline for the state's energy policy, including the state's strategy for renewable and clean energy. The final plan follows the release of a draft version in June. Since then, the Board of Public Utilities has held three stakeholder meetings and received comments from 300 companies, associations and individuals, the administration said.

NJ: Bill could deliver what solar sector needs most - stability

The legislature appears poised to act to stabilize a solar market that some have argued threatens to curtail the rapid growth of solar systems in New Jersey. But the initiative will have to wait until the lame-duck session after the election next month.

Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula (D-Middlesex), the influential chairman of the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee, said he expects to move a bill in mid-November that would deal with issues that have caused widespread uncertainty among investors as to whether solar energy is still a good bet in New Jersey.

NJ: Norcross bill to create jobs through solar project development clears senate committee

Legislation sponsored by Senator Donald Norcross (D-Camden/Gloucester) to provide greater opportunities for the development of solar facilities in New Jersey by streamlining state rules governing the industry was approved yesterday by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.