Virginia Lawmakers Punt on a Suite of Renewable Energy Bills

Legislation on community solar, net metering and third-party-owned solar was “carried over to 2017.”

Virginia lags well behind its neighboring states on renewable energy. With no tax credits or renewable energy certificate market to drive development, Virginia has yet to erect a wind farm, and the growing interest in solar has not translated into significant megawatts.

Legislators assure renewable energy industry members and advocates they are determined to make progress. But though the 2016 legislative session is not over yet, it appears there will be no policy reforms this year -- at least not on legislation championed by advocates of customer-owned and distributed renewable energy projects.

US policy outlook for renewable energy

The United States went to the polls on November 6. President Obama was returned to another four years in the White House. Democrats picked up another two seats in the US Senate where they are expected to have an effective majority of 55 seats to 45 for the Republicans. The Republicans lost seats in the House, but still retain a majority of 16 out of 435 House seats in total.

A panel of veteran Washington lobbyists for renewable energy companies talked 34 hours after the polls closed about what the election results mean for the US renewable energy market.

As Washington gridlock persists, states get creative in funding renewable energy

Hawaii in recent years has been good to the solar industry, and that’s not just because the state’s geography promises a steady supply of rays.

Aided by a slew of generous tax credits to homeowners and companies, including up to 35 percent returned to homeowners who buy and install solar energy units, solar business on the islands is booming. The number of installations of solar energy projects doubled between 2009 and 2010 and has since continued to grow. Those projects account for some 15 percent of construction spending in the state, putting about 2,000 Hawaiians to work.

Florida Gov. rejects Tea Party request to veto bill

Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who rode into office with the support of tea party groups and other conservative organizations, rejected their request that he veto a wide-ranging energy bill.

Scott instead announced on Friday that he would allow the bill (HB 7117) to become law without his signature.

The governor also vetoed a courts bill and signed 18 other measures into law including a bill responding to a state Supreme Court ruling from last year that Scott exceeded his authority. Scott also said he would allow another bill dealing with Hillsborough County taxi drivers to become law without his signature.

Florida House passes energy bill

After three years attempting to pass a renewable-energy package, the Florida House overwhelming backed the energy plan that has been ushered through the Capitol by Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam.

HB 7117, which passed 113-1 with bipartisan support on Monday, is designed to expand renewable-energy production tax credits, allow local governments to use discretionary sales tax revenue to assist homeowners who make energy-efficiency improvements, and reduce the state’s dependence on natural gas that is pumped into Florida along two pipelines from the Gulf Coast. 

“Florida’s House of Representatives sent a clear message today that Florida is ready to diversify its energy portfolio, expand energy production and create much-needed jobs for Floridians,” Putnam said. 

Michigan: Tax credits for "Green Buildings"

The push for energy efficient building practices in Michigan is under way with the introduction of legislation such as House Bill 4286 by Representative Bruce Rendon (R-Lake City) in February 2011. This bill seeks to amend the Michigan Business Tax Act (2007 PA 36) by providing tax credits for "green" housing practices. In this bill "green" in reference to building practices means that there is an emphasis on site conservation with sustainable planning, water conservation/efficiency, energy efficiency/renewable efficiency, conservation of materials/resources, and indoor environmental quality. Tax credits are awarded based on the acquisition of a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (Legislature.mi.gov).