Arizona kills off House Bill threat to solar industry

Arizona is still open for solar business, like these panels at Octillo, near Tempe

Arizona’s legislators have forced out the House Bill that threatened to kill off the state’s fledgling solar power industry.

Representative Debbie Lesko has withdrawn the Bill, HB 2701, which would have set up a new level of regulation on solar power plants as well as taking away requirements for utilities to source energy from clean power projects before 2025.

After a major outcry from the solar industry (see this BrighterEnergy.org story), including threats to move new factories elsewhere, the state’s lawmakers were engaged in damage limitation today.

The state’s Governor, Jan Brewer, issued a statement today commenting: “Representative Lesko’s wise and thoughtful actions today to withdraw HB 2701 should be lauded. This sends a clear and united message to employers around the world – Arizona remains the premier destination for solar industries.”

Arizona’s House Speaker, Kirk Adams, issued a long statement extolling the virtues of solar energy and other renewable technologies, concerned at the damage to the state’s reputation.

Setting the record straight

“Recent news stories have depicted the Arizona House of Representatives as being anti-solar energy, and unconcerned about the development of emerging renewably energy technologies. As the elected leader of the House I wish to set the record straight,” said Mr Adams.

The House Speaker stressed that his state had worked for years to attract renewable energy industries to provide energy, improve the environment and create jobs.

Property tax incentives, solar installation tax credits and investment income tax credit schemes are all in place to encourage clean energy firms, he said.

Mr Adams also pointed to House Bill 2060, which is seeking additional incentives for renewable energy, sending a “clear message to global industries: we want you in Arizona”.

Renewable manufacturing, research and development, generation, and installation will be a key source of new jobs” - House Speaker Kirk Adams

He said: “Renewable manufacturing, research and development, generation, and installation will be a key source of new jobs and help pull our state out of the recession.”

House Bill 2701 had wanted to address perceptions that Arizona ratepayers were paying too much for renewable energy requirements. The Bill would have allowed utilities to use nuclear power towards their renewable energy targets, allowing firms like the Arizona Power Company to stick with what they have already.

But, the extra regulation called for within Rep Lesko’s Bill saw even state utilities opposing the legislative proposal.