Simplify the Permitting Process for Home Energy Systems
October 23, 2023
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has introduced legislation to expedite the permitting and inspection process for residents installing home energy systems, such as rooftop solar panels.
More and more Americans are embracing clean energy solutions like solar panels, but local governments are struggling to keep up with the demand. The complex and time-consuming permitting and inspection process for home energy systems is hindering progress. To address this issue, Wyden is proud to cosponsor the Streamlining Homeowner Installation of New Energies (SHINE) Act. This legislation aims to simplify the permitting process for homeowners and local governments, building on the clean energy tax credits authored by Wyden in the Inflation Reduction Act. By streamlining the process, these two pieces of legislation will create more green jobs and lower energy costs for homeowners.
Automating Permitting and Approvals for Renewable Energy Systems
Local governments across the country are overwhelmed with permit applications for residential renewable energy systems like rooftop solar. The time it takes to process these permits, often weeks or even months, leads to higher prices, fewer local jobs, and a poor customer experience for homeowners.
The SHINE Act directs the Department of Energy to collaborate with local authorities in automating the permitting and approvals process for residential renewable energy systems. By saving time and lowering utility costs, this legislation will not only facilitate the transition to clean energy but also create new jobs along the way.
Bipartisan Support for the SHINE Act
The SHINE Act, led by U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., has garnered support from several cosponsors including U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez-Masto, D-Nev., Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and Alex Padilla, D-Calif.
Industry Support for the SHINE Act
The SHINE Act is endorsed by prominent organizations such as the Solar Energy Industries Association, Advanced Energy United, GRID Alternatives, Solar United Neighbors Action, and Vote Solar.
Learn More
For more information on the SHINE Act, you can read the bill’s text here. To access a fact sheet about the bill, click here.
Prioritizing clean energy and Green Jobs
This is not the first time Senator Wyden has championed clean energy initiatives. Earlier this year, he successfully urged the Biden Administration to establish a Civilian Climate Corps program, creating green union jobs. Additionally, Wyden authored clean energy provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, which will significantly reduce carbon emissions in the power sector over the next decade.
Read More of this Story at www.wyden.senate.gov – 2023-10-23 20:31:22
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