Collins’ new bill would streamline patchwork of clean energy permitting requirements

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) on Sept. 9 introduced the bipartisan American Energy Opportunity Act to help streamline state and local permitting to lower the cost of distributed energy, such as rooftop solar.

“Solar energy is a proven and powerful tool in the fight against climate change,” said Sen. Collins. “The American Energy Opportunity Act would help spur the adoption of this technology by providing beneficial tools to streamline the permitting process at the municipal level, which will help drive down the hidden costs of installing rooftop solar.”

Sen. Collins cosponsored S. 2447 with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) to require the U.S. Energy Secretary to establish the Distributed Energy Opportunity Board, which would carry out a program to facilitate a voluntary streamlined process for local permitting of distributed renewable energy, energy storage and electric vehicle charging systems, according to the congressional record.

S. 2447 also would create a voluntary national certification program for installers and an improved inspection protocol to ensure quality and safety standards, according to a summary of the bill.

“This bill, coupled with the BEST Act we introduced earlier this year to promote next-generation energy storage, holds the potential to unleash the promise of clean, renewable energy throughout the country,” added Sen. Collins.

S. 2447 is supported by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

“This bill is a win-win-win for consumers, local governments, and clean energy businesses,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of SEIA. “This bill will provide tools to improve the solar permitting process across the nation, reducing costs for consumers while enhancing safety and quality. This means more people and businesses can deploy solar faster and better.”