By Frank Andorka, Senior Correspondent
Earlier this week, Washington D.C. announced it had passed a law saying that it would produce all of its electricity from renewable energy by 2032. Though the bill still has to be passed on a second reading, signed by the mayor, approved by Congress and pro-coal President Trump – so who knows if it will actually get approved – it is the most aggressive 100% renewable energy mandate in the country.
SolarWakeup decided to discuss the plan’s chances with someone whose offices are right in D.C.’s backyard – David Murray, executive director of MDV-SEIA. Here are his responses.
SolarWakeup: (SWup): What precipitated the decision to pass the 100% RPS mandate?
David Murray: Starting in 2017, the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) developed the Clean Energy DC plan, which outlines recommended steps for the District to cut greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2032. The 100% RPS is one aspect of the Clean Energy DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2018, which is largely based off of DOEE’s plan. After Councilmember Mary Cheh introduced the legislation, a coalition of business, social, and environmental advocates came together to support the bill.
For the solar industry, a strong RPS is the main driver for strong investment and job growth. The 2016 50% RPS increase precipitated the District’s recent solar industry growth. Last year, we hit a milestone of over 1,500 solar workers here in DC, which marks a 33% increase in the last two years. A strong solar carve-out within the RPS is crucial to continue this job growth in coming years.
SWup: Where is the city now, and how realistic is it to get it to 100%?
David Murray: The DC Office of People’s Counsel (OPC) issued a study last year which estimated the technical feasibility of solar potential in the District at 2.4 GW, which does not include parking lots. The bill seeks to increase D.C.’s solar target from 5% by 2032 to 10% by 2041. Expanding solar capacity in the District to reach the OPC’s higher estimate of solar potential would result in 26 million tons of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emission reductions. The current target in the RPS of 10% by 2014 is certainly achievable, being on the conservative end of the OPC study estimate.
SWup: What are the steps they will need to take to get there?
David Murray: The comprehensive nature of the Omnibus bill is the right approach because a full transition to a low-carbon economy is going to need to come from emission reductions in several areas. Specifically, the transition to 100% renewable energy must include District ratepayers from all economic backgrounds. Solar energy is the only true form of local renewable generation in the RPS and it produces local benefits. The solar carve-out maximizes equity through programs like Solar For All, which benefit low-income residents by offering solar at no cost to homeowners who quality for the program.
Reducing soft costs is another key priority: working in a heavily-trafficked city of just 68 square miles has a unique set of challenges. Thus, MDV-SEIA is engaging DOEE to streamline the permitting process, increase market transparency, and creditworthiness of solar installers.
SWup: What role do you think solar will play in DC’s transformation?
David Murray: Solar has been a constant area of growth for the District’s energy portfolio. In addition to exceeding the goal of creating over 1,200 local jobs by 2020 three years early, D.C. based solar generation helped the District become the first city in the world to be certified as LEED platinum. Community solar, Solar For All installations, and public-private solar partnerships will only increase with the 10% standard.
SWup: Are there any downsides to the potential transformation?
David Murray: There aren’t many downsides to a cleaner energy economy but there are certainly opportunities. Our transmission and distribution infrastructure needs to be upgraded to the 21st century including increased distributed generation, battery storage, advanced metering, and electric vehicle infrastructure. These infrastructure upgrades yield long term payoffs in the form of a stronger, more resilient system and solar will play a huge role in a modern grid.
SWup: Do you think Congress will allow this mandate to go forward?
David Murray: The Congressional review process did not affect the 2016 RPS increase. It is unlikely federal lawmakers will challenge the merits of this legislation, either.
SWup: How do the national politics affect the local politics?
David Murray: No doubt the abdication of climate leadership from the federal government spurred local lawmakers to act. We are seeing it in the three other states MDV-SEIA represents: Virginia is poised to join RGGI, our 50% RPS bills in Maryland and Delaware are likely to pass next year as well. DC has always been progressive: it is no coincidence the City Council put forth a 100% RPS while the White House is looking to bailout coal and nuclear.