Community-led Solar Policy

In 2022, Energy Allies supported and advocated for policies in MA, NY, and across the nation through submitting comments to support our coalition partners in advocating for a more just and equitable future.

Community-led Solar Policy

We convene Community Partners to co-design solar projects that prioritize local values and opportunities to build wealth; advocate for community-led solar policy; and enhance access for community members. Communities understand the benefits of clean energy, but are presented with systemic barriers that prohibit access to it. Energy Allies identifies barriers and cultivates resources and opportunities to co-design just energy solutions.

Some highlights of our work include:

NY

Testified in support of the Build Public Renewables Act in a special session hearing before the NY State legislature
Signed on in support of a letter to Governor Hochul to sign the Cumulative Impacts bill into law that would increase environmental justice for millions, especially Black and Brown New Yorkers that bear a disproportionate burden of pollution
Signed on in support of a letter to the NY PSC advocating that utility shareholders should cover at least 50% of New York’s Phase 2 debt relief program

MA

Submitted comments in opposition to the Western Massachusetts Gas Reliability Project that proposes unnecessary gas line expansions through environmental justice communities and poses health, safety, and climate risks.
Signed on in support letters to the MA Conference Committee and Governor Baker to pass a robust climate bill in 2022
Signed on in support of a letter to the MA DOER to demand a true net zero stretch code for buildings
Signed on in support of a letter to MA Gubernatorial Candidates Maura Healey and Geof Diehl with a call to place a moratorium on new gas infrastructure in MA if elected
Signed on in support of a letter to Governor-Elect Healey to ensure that the creation of a MA Climate Bank centers equity and environmental justice throughout its governance

NATIONAL

Submitted comments to the IRS on the Inflation Reduction Act to ensure that new tax credits and grant programs were implemented with equity and centered community needs
Submitted comments on the DOE National Community Solar Subscription Platform including findings from our research on equitable community solar policies to support a program that maximizes benefits for income-eligible residents
Signed on in support of the DOE’s PR100 study to be informed by energy democracy and fight for emergency funding for Puerto Rico to be spent on distributed energy resources like solar
Signed on in support of a letter to Governor Pierluisi of Puerto Rico in support of a fair debt restructuring agreement that protects ratepayers from unjust rate increases
Signed on in support of policies to enhance federal funding for rural electric cooperatives’ clean energy transition
Signed on in support of Congress to reject Senator Manchin’s dirty “side deal” that would have weakened energy permitting and allowed for the streamlining of fossil fuel infrastructure deployment

Community Solar Policy Research

This is the policy landscape of policy that currently exists. By sharing the current policy landscape, our team hopes to educate and advance advocacy for inclusive community solar policy in all 50 states.

Colorado

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Illinois

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Massachusetts

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New York

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Oregon

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