Massachusetts hopes RE development through new bill

A bill passed this past week by the Massachusetts Legislature will help develop hydroelectric power within the state.

The legislation, Senate Bill 2395 -- or officially, An Act Relative to Competitively Priced Electricity in the Commonwealth -- will increase the amount of new renewable energy that would qualify for economically favorable treatment by Massachusetts utilities.

With regard to hydro, the bill alters current state law to increase the size of hydropower projects that qualify as "renewable energy generating sources" under the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS).

Superior Court Judgment Favors Solar Industry

Suffolk Superior Court Judge Edward P. Leibensperger issued his tightly reasoned 17 page decision late last week ; the full text was received today . He ordered the Massachusetts Board of State Electrical Examiners (BSEE) to declare that licensed general contractors in the state “may advertise and contract for PV System installations and sub contract with electricians” in effect restoring the pre 2009 harmony of trade cooperation under Massachusetts laws and regulations.

The BSEE made an unfortunate decision in 2009 to pirate all solar work for electricians only and made it worse by wasting taxpayer dollars in numerous enforcement actions and investigations of licensed Solar General Contractors the last three years.

Energy and economic development measures become a law

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signed into law bills that are aimed to move Hawaii forward in reducing its dependence on imported oil.

Two of the measures enacted are Senate Bills 2785 and 2787, which were among the governor’s priority bills this past session.

“I want to thank the Legislature for recognizing the commitment that is needed to act now to move ahead with renewable energy projects that will benefit the State of Hawaii,” Abercrombie said. “These measures are critical in addressing our sustainability. We must view our islands as interdependent and remain open to all renewable projects. My Administration is seeking long-term infrastructure investments that ensure our electric grids are stable, reliable and modern enough to integrate all available alternative and renewable energy technologies.”

Labor, business and government officials oppose renewable energy ballot

A combination of labor, business and government officials will launch their opposition to a proposed 25 percent statewide renewable energy mandate in Detroit on Monday.

The Clean Affordable Renewable Energy for Michigan Coalition is urging voters not to support the signature drive - called 25x25 -- arguing it's too costly for consumers. Proponents say boosting Michigan's current renewable energy use - currently less than 4 percent --- will generate green energy jobs and bolster the environment.

New Jersey Senate pushes forward solar bill

The New Jersey state legislature has pushed forward a bill designed to help rejuvenate the state's struggling solar power sector, according to NJ Spotlight.

While states like Arizona and New Mexico have begun to emerge as strong centers for solar power, New Jersey quickly jumped up to become the second-largest solar market behind California through strong supportive policies.

Arizona energy bill would give lawmakers a say in state energy policy

Republican lawmakers in Arizona are moving to grab control of energy policy from state utility regulators in a political turf fight over the future of Arizona's solar power industry.

A bill co-sponsored by 30 Republican lawmakers would make any new policy guidelines or rule changes by the Arizona Corporation Commission subject to approval by the Legislature and the governor.

Supporters of the proposal say it would help protect consumers from unnecessary surcharges. But critics say the plan threatens the growth of the state's solar industry.