WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bi-partisan effort has been introduced in Congress to make it easier for Arizonans to install solar.
The Streamlining Homeowner Installation of New Energies (or SHINE) Act was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., along with Senators Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., and Ron Wyden, D-Ore.
Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., along with Representatives Susie Lee, D-Nev., and Paul Tonko, D-N.Y.
“With an average 300 days of sunshine per year in our state, Arizonans deserve reliable and affordable access to solar energy. The SHINE Act works to cut bureaucratic red tape and streamline the permitting process for homeowners seeking to adopt solar energy systems, encouraging the use of this abundant, sustainable energy source,” Ciscomani said in a prepared statement.
The legislation directs the Department of Energy to work with local authorities to adopt an online tool developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory that automates permitting and approvals of residential renewable energy systems, saving time, lowering utility costs, and creating new jobs in the transition to a clean energy future.
Funding for the Energy Dept. is $20 million per year for four years.
“As Arizonans take advantage of new energy systems to save money and support a transition to clean energy, it is important that permits are swiftly processed,” Kelly said. “The SHINE Act will eliminate red tape, making it easier for governments to approve applications, saving homeowners and small business owners time and money.”
