Controversial “Anti-Solar” Bill Yanked After Industry Uprising in Arizona

Members and supporters of Arizona’s fledgling solar industry are breathing a sigh of relief after a bill was withdrawn that would have revised the state’s renewable portfolio standard. Just last year, Arizona passed landmark legislation creating tax credits for solar manufacturers and in no time, international solar giant Suntech Power Holdings decided to build a plant in Goodyear, which the Chinese company threatened to abandon if H.B. 2701 was left in place.

State Rep. Debbie Lesko of Glendale authored, then withdrew H.B. 2701. The bill would have amended Arizona’s RPS to allow nuclear and hydroelectric power to count as renewable resources and enabled utilities to ignore its requirements if it meant higher costs for customers. Currently, and apparently in the foreseeable future, Arizona’s RPS requires utilities to get 15 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2025. Given the Grand Canyon state’s incredible solar resources, it stands to reason that much of that power would come from solar panels.

However, if Lesko’s bill, which passed committee by a 5-2 vote, had somehow made it through the state legislature, it would have effectively killed solar power in Arizona. For instance, Arizona Public Service, the state’s largest utility, already gets 27 percent of its energy from nuclear power and would already meet RPS goals without adding a watt of solar energy.

Dismal prospects such as that lit a fire under Arizona’s solar movement when the bill made it into legislative play. Suntech, SolarCity and many other solar companies and proponents cried foul, putting enough pressure on Rep. Lesko to force her to withdraw her own bill. The ensuing wave of criticism sent Arizona legislators in general on the defensive.

House Speaker Kirk Adams and Governor Jan Brewer reportedly played a part in crushing the bill. Both have since issued statements reaffirming Arizona’s dedication to solar power. Many in the state are concerned that the mere existence of H.B. 2701 may damage the state’s solar industry, which is still trying to gain a foothold, by shaking the confidence of potential investors and manufacturers.

Suntech’s planned solar manufacturing plant will employ 70 people, in addition to temporary construction jobs. SolarCity, the fast-growing solar leasing and installation company, plans to double its workforce of 50 in the next year now that the bill has been pulled.

Sources: AZCentral and AZ Daily Sun

Photo Credit: SolarCity

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Controversial “Anti-Solar” Bill Yanked After Industry Uprising in Arizona