A landmark solar power bill pending in the New York State legislature would create thousands of green jobs and billions of dollars in economic output for the state, according to a new report released today by Vote Solar with contributing support from NRDC. It will create 22,000 new jobs and more than $20 billion in new economic activity by 2025 for less than the cost of one postage stamp (39 cents) on an average residential electricity bill.
A coalition of organizations – including Vote Solar, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the New York Solar Energy Industries Association, the Solar Alliance, the Apollo Alliance, and the Alliance for Clean Energy New York – urged state legislators to pass the Solar Industry Development and Jobs Act and make New York a leader in the nation’s growing solar economy.
This comprehensive bill sets firm goals, lays out the necessary framework to attract solar investment, and ensures development of diverse market segments, from small residential installations to large utility-scale solar farms. The structure is based on successful models in other states, yet allows for the flexibility necessary to fit New York's regulatory structure. The combination of long-term market certainty and competitive pressures means that it will enable the most solar development at the least cost to the ratepayer. The New York Solar Industry Development and Jobs Act is a fair roadmap for jumpstarting a real solar future for the Empire State. For a more detailed description of the Solar Program please go here.
States leading the way in the solar industry, such as California, New Jersey and Colorado (see comparison chart below), have recognized the strategic importance and lasting benefits of solar development for their state economies -- helping to bolster private investment and industry growth, enhance electric system reliability, lower transmission and distribution costs, increase energy security and improve local and regional air quality while lowering greenhouse gases.
Data Source: SEIA 2010
In the ever expanding clean energy economy, this bill will help make New York become an industry leader in solar power.