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| The Senate is expected to vote on the Solar Water Heating and Efficiency Act of 2007 (AB 1470-Huffman) tomorrow, Friday, September 7th. The bill would create the nation’s largest solar water heating program, providing incentives to 200,000 homes and businesses and creating a mainstream market for solar water heating. Supporters of the bill report that there is no long any utility opposition to AB 1470, with the solitary opponent, Sempra, changing their position to neutral. The bill is broadly supported by environmental groups, low-income ratepayer groups, and businesses such as the California Solar Energy Industry Association (CALSEIA) and PG&E. | |
| With the ink barely dry on AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act, Environment California launched a new campaign calling on congressional candidates to support policies to move America beyond oil and toward a cleaner energy future. | |
| The California Legislature has taken yet another giant step toward bringing about a mainstream solar power market. At 2:21 am, the California Assembly voted on concurrence with the Solar Water Heating and Efficiency Act of 2007 (AB 1470-Huffman). The bill would launch the nation’s largest solar water heating program, creating a $250 million fund to provide rebates to homeowners and businesses who invest in solar water heating technologies. The bill would create a world-class, mainstream market for solar water heating technologies within ten years. | |
| Following closely on the heels of the internationally significant Million Solar Roofs bill (SB 1-Murray) of 2006, the California Legislature has taken yet another giant step toward bringing about a mainstream solar power market. Last night, the California Senate passed the Solar Water Heating and Efficiency Act of 2007 (AB 1470-Huffman). The bill would launch the nation’s largest solar water heating program, creating a $250 million fund to provide rebates to homeowners and businesses who invest in solar water heating technologies. The bill aims at creating a world-class, mainstream market for solar water heating technologies within ten years. | |
| The Million Solar Roofs bill, SB 1 (Murray/Levine), passed the Senate Energy Committee this morning with a unanimous vote from all nine Democrats and Republicans present. The bill now moves to the Senate Floor for a final concurrence vote before heading to the governor’s desk. | |
| Washington, DC: Today the House of Representatives voted 241-172 to pass “The New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act” (H.R. 3221), including an amendment to establish a national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES). The passage of the RES along with the package of legislation included in H.R. 3221 will make significant steps toward a cleaner and more secure energy future for the United States. | |
| Solar power can make a difference in keeping our lights on without smog or global warming pollution. The California Independent System Operator (ISO) is forecasting a potential electricity shortage this afternoon of 290 megawatts (MW) due to heavy use of air conditioners throughout the state. This shortfall – the difference between the amount of peak electricity resources the state has on hand and the predicted demand - is roughly the equivalent to the amount of solar power California has installed throughout the state. This narrow but critical gap between supply and demand highlights how even a relative small amount of solar power can play a huge role in keeping the lights, and doing so without air pollution. | |
| After three years, the Million Solar Roofs bill, SB 1, authored by Senator Kevin Murray, was signed into law this morning by Governor Schwarzenegger at a ceremony held at the new solar powered CalTrans building in downtown Los Angeles. | |
| After two long years, the Million Solar Roofs bill, SB 1 (Murray), passed the Senate Floor today by a vote of 36 to 4, clearing the state Legislature and heading to the governor’s desk for his up or down approval. | |
| We applaud the Santa Rita Jail for investing in a 1 megawatt fuel cell. The fuel cell will save taxpayers while helping protect the environment. Along with their 1.2 megawatt solar photovoltaic system, the jail is one of the most independent, energy-wise at least, places in the state. | |
