House bill seeks to streamline permit process for distributed energy systems

The U.S. House of Representatives advanced last week legislation week that would provide municipalities with the tools to streamline permitting processes for distributed energy systems.

The American Energy Opportunity Act (H.R. 5335) was introduced by U.S. Reps. Susie Lee (D-NV), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE). Distributed energy systems include rooftop solar, small wind power, residential battery storage, hydrogen fuel cells, and level 2 electric vehicle charging.

The bill would simplify the installation of distributed energy systems by designating the National Distributed Energy Opportunity Council responsible for developing a voluntary program for online permitting.

It would empower the Secretary of Energy to certify participating municipalities as “Energy Opportunity Communities” if they adopt and implement the model permitting protocol. Further, it would authorize $20 million annually through 2025 to carry out directives.

“Southern Nevada has led the way in solar energy development and installation,” Lee said. “There is so much more opportunity to further develop renewable energy, yet some obstacles are slowing such development. Permitting and installing renewable energy systems is too expensive for many businesses and families. Distributed energy systems can help streamline and simplify solar energy permitting so more households and businesses can access affordable opportunities to make the switch to solar. This bipartisan bill helps both businesses and households save money while reducing our carbon footprint. What could be better?”

While the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) began efforts to reduce the time and costs for permitting through standardization and online application systems, significant progress must still be made.

“Distributed energy systems present numerous untapped opportunities for American households and the economy, yet high permitting costs and complicated installations are preventing many from making the investment,” Tonko said. “Standardizing this process and making installation more affordable would give Americans the freedom to choose their energy systems. The American Energy Opportunity Act cuts through the unnecessary red tape preventing households from generating their own electricity and helping to reduce their carbon footprints. Our bipartisan legislation will help consumers and businesses alike advance their clean energy agendas while saving thousands.”

Fortenberry added that the bill is a bridge toward a more sustainable energy future.