California’s highways may soon host solar installations if the governor signs a new bill.
California highway solar power bill reaches governor’s desk
Sacramento, California
California lawmakers passed new legislation sponsored by Environment America that would encourage solar installations along the state’s highways. The bill that would establish a process for entities to operate and build solar arrays within state-owned rights-of-way is now on the governor’s desk.
Expedited solar permitting deadline passes for California cities
Sacramento, California
The September 30 deadline in the Solar Access Act that requires California cities and counties to adopt instant online permitting for residential solar and storage has now passed. Solar advocates published an interactive map to display the cities that have complied and those that still haven’t yet.
Solar + storage property tax abatement expanded for NYC
Albany, New York
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill that increases the New York City solar property tax abatement from 20 to 30% and extends it through 2034. It also allows the incentive to apply to energy storage systems and parking canopies.
Community solar testimonies heard in Ohio and Michigan
The Midwest
Community solar bills in Ohio and Michigan are advancing through the state legislatures. The Coalition for Community Solar Access and other advocates recently provided testimony in support of Ohio’s HB 197 and Michigan’s SB 152 and 153, bills that would open each state’s community solar market.
DOE to begin accepting low-income solar bonus credit applications October 19
Washington, D.C.
The Treasury Dept. announced it will begin accepting applications for the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program at 9 a.m. ET on October 19, 2023. An informational webinar and other materials to help applicants prepare submissions will be available on the Dept. of Energy landing page in the coming weeks.
Biden Administration announces new American Climate Corps
Washington, D.C.
The Biden Administration announced a new initiative to place 20,000 people into low-carbon energy and climate resilience jobs under the program “American Climate Corps,” according to Axios. Details are still sparse, but the paid training program is open for sign-ups now.
DOE invests in long-duration energy storage technologies
Washington, D.C.
As the Dept. of Energy works toward a goal of reducing the cost of long-duration energy storage by 90% by 2030, the agency announced it’s investing up to $325 million in 15 projects that help demonstrate this technology. The projects span 17 states and one tribal nation and will benefit local communities with resilient backup power.
