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April 26, 2010

New Jersey cuts red tape to boost solar efforts

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signing the solar bill last week

New Jersey has scrapped rules that limit the development of solar panels in the state based on their definition as “impervious surfaces”.

The state’s Governor Chris Christie signed a bill into law last week that amends restrictions on the amount of land on which impervious surfaces can be built.

The new measure amends the definition of “impervious surface” in land use and coast development laws so that it applies only to the base of a solar panel system, rather than the entire panel as well.

The bill, S-921, had bi-partisan backing and sponsorship, and received unanimous support in the New Jersey Legislature.

“There is a balance to be struck between responsible land-use law and well-intended but burdensome restrictions that do more harm than good,” Governor Christie said.

“This legislation removes the regulatory burden, serves our environment by expanding renewable energy assets and serves the economy by creating demand for solar panel production.”

The bill signed last week eliminates a “significant impediment” to green energy projects, according to the Governor, recognizing that solar energy developments were an “important land use”.

Energy Master Plan

The signing of the bill came in the same week that Governor Christie unveiled a plan to encourage growth in New Jersey’s renewable energy industry.

The Energy Master Plan includes an energy efficiency program to cut the cost of energy in the state and moves to promote domestic generation of renewable energy including solar, wind and “particularly” offshore wind projects in the state as well as energy storage projects.

Governor Christie also said more would be done to promote New Jersey as a site for renewable energy manufacturing companies.

A team is being set up by Lee Solomon, president of New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities, to develop the Energy Master Plan over the next nine months.

The Governor said: “We have a unique opportunity to change the way we produce, distribute and use energy as part of a broader effort to build a strong foundation for our economy.”