Weekend Rundown. Many great stories today with thoughts from me, keeping it brief but make sure to catch the stories that hit your notes. Don’t forget to subscribe to the SolarWakeup Podcast on Apple Podcast to keep up to date on the latest happenings.
PA Solar Flexes Muscles. Like in Illinois and others before it, a nuclear bailout bill makes it possible for solar and renewables to extract value from legislators. In PA, it looks like there is enough power in solar to get something done, let’s see what happens.
Is SC Gaining Traction? An inside view at the legislative process says that a hold in the State Senate may be getting lifted now that some concessions are made. This would bode well for the solar market in SC.
The WV Litmus Test. Does solar need the market, job training and economic opportunity to come true in West Virginia? Even without the robust help of the legislature, it feels to me that coal communities in West Virginia and Kentucky need to feel solar growth and opportunity.
RPS Counterpoint. The University of Chicago report on the cost of RPS policies is flawed and this author takes you through the flaws.
Does Lindsay Graham Need Solar Votes? What could be an homage to Senator McCain, Senator Graham came out for the need to do climate policy. He is in an election year and political advisors are close to solar. He may also see how much of a turn the energy sector has made in South Carolina. He could also be a safe seat and is taking some heat off of his colleagues in the Senate since McConnell wouldn’t touch this anyways.
Meeting In The Middle. Do renewable energy advocates need to meet in the middle on these policies? I listened to Julia Pyper’s Political Climate podcast’s new episodes on a long drive this weekend and I am curious whether the both sidesism is healthy for energy policy which is inherently one-sided. Either regulated or not. Monopolies or not. RPS or not. Net metering or not. This is policy versus politics.
Community Solar Trades. Clean Energy Collective has had a majority of their shares acquired by North American Infrastructure Partners. As more investors look for proprietary deal flow, they will want robust development platforms under their control.
- Philadelphia Inquirer: Solar and wind energy advocates may hold swing vote in Pennsylvania’s divisive nuclear rescue debate
- FITS News: SC Solar Bill: Compromise Reached
- Charleston Gazette-Mail: At Solar Congress, experts hail WV’s potential for renewable energy
- Axios: Renewable portfolio standards have delivered cheaper renewable energy
- Think Progress: Renewable portfolio standards have delivered cheaper renewable energy
- Vox: Don’t bother waiting for conservatives to come around on climate change
- Greentech Media: Infrastructure Fund Buys Community Solar Developer Clean
Opinion
Have a great day!
Yann