Solar policy could wind up in larger energy bill
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Large solar installations are a part of the consideration in crafting a larger energy bill.
If the House and Senate fail to agree on legislation seeking to encourage the solar energy industry, that issue may need to be tackled in a larger energy bill, Sen. Benjamin Downing, the lead Senate negotiator told the News Service.
Competing proposals (H 3854 / S 2058) were sent to a closed-door conference committee on Nov. 18 and while declining to discuss the substance of negotiations, Downing said proposals have been traded back and forth. The Senate passed legislation that appeared more favorable to the solar industry.
"I think if it's not resolved in the conference committee, then I wouldn't be surprised if both sides end up having to deal with it in the bigger thing. I think we'd like to resolve it independent of that because the bigger thing is going to be difficult enough politically and the policy isn't clear on it either," Downing told the News Service ahead of a delayed budget hearing in Springfield on Tuesday.
Speaker Robert DeLeo has discussed his desire for a comprehensive energy bill that could address imported hydroelectricity and other means of electrical generation. Downing said he is looking forward to see what is produced within the House.
"I think the speaker's working on a bill with the House side, and they've made it a priority. We don't want to step on toes, so we're excited to see what they come up with for ideas," Downing said.
With coal and nuclear plants shutting down, state officials expect a need for more baseline generating capacity and are also eyeing proposed new pipelines to bring more natural gas to the region.
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