Committees in New Jersey Legislature advance clean energy bills

A pair of bills intent on growing New Jersey’s renewable energy industry and bringing solar energy to more state customers have crossed their first hurdles in the form of the Assembly Appropriations Committee and Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, respectively.

The bills come from Assemblyman John McKeon (D-NJ) and Sen. Bob Smith (D-NJ), but they are being backed by organizations throughout the state and the country. In all, almost 50 solar companies and industry associations wrote to Gov. Phil Murphy, as well as the Senate and General Assembly asking for passage and signature of the measures. They note that the bills would not only maintain more than 7,100 solar industry jobs but grow the state’s renewables market.

“New Jersey residents and businesses have long turned to solar energy for reliable, affordable and clean power,” Pari Kasotia, Mid-Atlantic director for Vote Solar, said. “With today’s measures to keep clean energy shining, solar and other renewables can remain a bright spot in New Jersey’s economy by creating jobs, driving local investments, and giving families, communities, and businesses a way to save with solar. It’s more important than ever for state leaders to push for solar progress in their home districts and state, and we applaud lawmakers for moving New Jersey’s clean energy economy forward.”

The legislation has the potential to stabilize the New Jersey solar market through 2021. They would close out the existing solar renewable energy credit trading program and reduce the overall cost of the Renewable Portfolio Standard by lowering the Solar Alternative Compliance Payment. Expanding on this, they would begin the process of investigation for the next round of solar incentives and increase the solar target. The Renewable Portfolio Standard would be increased by 50 percent by 2030 and a community solar program would be established to give residents greater access.

“New Jersey has historically been one of the leading solar states, but due to a multitude of factors, only one-third of New Jersey residents have access to solar energy and the financial and environmental benefits that come with it,” Brandon Smithwood, policy director for the Coalition for Community Solar Access, said. “Today’s vote gets us one step closer to ensuring that millions more New Jerseyans can access clean energy, and it paves the way for the community solar industry to invest and create high-quality jobs in New Jersey.”