A new law in Michigan gives homeowners association members the freedom to install solar energy, even if the bylaws previously prohibited it. Michigan Solar Solutions
Massachusetts lawmakers fail to pass a siting and licensing bill
Boston, MA
Massachusetts lawmakers have failed to enact an omnibus bill that would have introduced time limits for allowing renewable energy, and also cleared the way for new purchases of 5 GWh of energy storage. Clean energy advocates expressed his disappointment on the bill’s detour after months of work by a diverse group of stakeholders.
New law says HOAs can’t ban solar installations in Michigan
Lansing, Mich
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill that nullifies certain provisions in homeowners’ association agreements that prohibit installing solar panels on homes. HOAs often have language in their bylaws that prevents homeowners from adding solar panels to visible parts of their roofs.
New Mexico is accepting applications for solar tax credits for those previously denied
Sante Fe, New Mexico
The New Mexico Energy Department is now accepting applications for its supplemental New Solar Market Development Tax Credit program, which provides an incentive to ratepayers who were denied benefits between 2020 and 2023 due to insufficient state funding. Customers are eligible for a tax credit of up to 10% on solar costs.
Advocates are filing an injunction to halt new requirements for battery installers in California
Sacramento, California
A California coalition filed a motion on July 25 seeking a preliminary injunction to halt enforcement of a new rule that would restrict solar companies from installing and maintaining battery storage systems. The groups, including the California Solar & Storage Association and the Center for Biological Diversity, are trying to prevent the rule from taking effect on October 1.
US Senators Try to Block IRA Dollars from Chinese Companies
Washington, DC
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced legislation that would keep IRA taxpayer money from going to Chinese solar and clean energy companies. The bill is supported by First Solar, which has manufacturing sites in two of the states represented by the cosponsors: Ohio and Louisiana.
Bipartisan senators introduce the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024
Washington, DC
U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (I-WV) and John Barrasso (R-WY) have released energy permitting reform legislation that would open federal lands to more energy development, modernize the electric grid and expand transmission capacity. Solar energy advocates praised the bill, but environmental groups warned about the increase in fossil fuel development it could cause.
The Biden-Harris administration is using AmeriCorps for green jobs in the energy community
Washington, DC
The Biden-Harris administration has launched a new project called Energy Communities AmeriCorps with the goal of increasing clean energy and climate resilience jobs in previously underserved communities. The project will start with 150 full-time employees in nine federally designated energy communities.