September 12, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAS VEGAS, NV — Today, the Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2) announced the creation of the Center for Model Policy Development – a new initiative to develop decarbonization policies – and unveiled its first model policy at RE+ in Las Vegas.
As state governments across the country work toward cleaning up the electric grid, state leaders and advocates need new tools to help address the barriers in the way of more solar and storage deployment. The Center for Model Policy Development, created by SI2, will propose different policies relevant to state and local governments and provide bill templates for consideration by local leaders.
“Most of the barriers to the successful implementation of last year’s landmark Inflation Reduction Act are at the state and local levels,” said David Gahl, executive director of the Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2). “The Center for Model Policy Development will provide these leaders with the tools they need to speed up clean energy deployment and help meet our clean energy goals. Few, if any, organizations have delved as deeply into the entire landscape of solar and storage deployment barriers while offering such practical nuts and bolts solutions.
At RE+, The Center for Model Policy Development unveiled a policy on large-scale solar siting which explains what local governments should do when it comes to siting.
“We’re proud to present the Center’s seminal work, addressing this fundamental permitting function for our industry, at RE+, the flagship renewable energy event in the United States,” added Gahl. “We’re spotlighting a transformative policy: a strategic blueprint to clarify the roles and responsibility of local governments on large-scale solar siting. Next month we’ll be releasing a streamlined approach to rooftop siting and permitting. These are catalysts propelling us toward a brighter future.”
“Large-scale solar siting presents challenges that many local leaders are grappling with as the solar industry grows,” said Sarah Wochos, Vice President of Policy and Business Development at New Leaf Energy and Center for Model Policy Industry Advisory Committee Chair. “But with the right guidance and policy, local governments can quickly and confidently implement fair and appropriate standards that balance the needs of the community and the industry.”
For more information on the Center for Model Policy Development, click here.