Press Releases
May 13, 2005:
Leveling the Playing Field for Solar Power in California
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jessica Freedman
Phone: (310) 841-2970
Email: info@coejlsc.com
“Leveling the Playing Field for Solar Power in California”
Amendments to Solar Energy Tax Credit and Revolving Loan Bills Will Allow the Marketplace to Decide
Los Angeles (May 11, 2005) – Educational outreach efforts by the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life of Southern California (CoejlSC) and the Interfaith Environmental Council (IEC) have led to legislative changes that will level the playing field for solar power in California.
While tax credits have traditionally been available for solar photovoltaic technology specifically, there are currently several different types of solar energy systems available. Solar thermal energy systems, for example, (which use the sun to create steam to turn a turbine) can often be more cost effective than other solar technologies for certain applications.
Recognizing this fact, Assemblymembers Lloyd Levine (D-Van Nuys) and Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills) have amended their bills before the California Legislature in order to benefit all solar generating processes. AB 1547 by Assemblyman Levine provides for rebates to reimburse customers for a portion of the cost of installing a solar energy system. AB 1383 by Assemblywoman Pavley creates a revolving loan fund to finance the installation of solar energy systems in low-income housing units.
Prior to the amendment to AB 1383, an analysis by the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce echoed the importance of supporting all forms of solar power by advocating, “If the goal of this legislation is to increase the total amount of solar energy produced in California, it may be best not to mandate a specific form of technology in the bill and instead allow the California Energy Commission (CEC) to determine which forms of solar power will be the most cost effective.”
“I commend Assemblymembers Levine and Pavley for their leadership in fostering the development of solar technology in California,” said CoejlSC President and IEC Co-Chair Lee H. Wallach. “As technology continues to innovate, it’s essential that consumers are able to benefit from the most promising solar renewable energy processes. Without providing options, we are not best serving our communities.”
As California continues to grapple with the energy crisis and some of the most severe air pollution in the nation, wider deployment of solar and other renewable technologies is becoming increasingly important. CoejlSC and IEC will continue working with allies such as Assemblymembers Levine and Pavley to build public support for these initiatives, which serve as models for future legislation.
The mission of CoejlSC is to instill a commitment to environmental protection rooted in Jewish values. IEC’s mission is to repair, protect, and preserve the environment while integrating sustainability, responsibility, and advocacy. To learn more, contact the CoejlSC and IEC office at (310) 841-2970 or visit www.CoejlSC.org and www.LAIEC.org
