Just Three More Days at the Statehouse!
As we approach the last week of session, we’re seeing a lot of action at the State House. We have very good news on solar! I’m happy to report that the House budget has taken its final shape with several positive provisos (like amendments) for solar.
Particular thanks go out to Representative Nathan Ballentine for introducing and fighting for a proviso to lift the net-metering cap from 2% to 4% and form a study committee that will report back regarding the future energy generation mix of South Carolina. The raising of the cap is essential for the solar energy industry to keep growing. Thankfully, the proviso succeeded 68-33.
Representative James Smith also successfully championed a proviso that makes sure non-solar customers don’t subsidize solar customers (it succeeded with 78-23 vote).
On Monday at 4pm in room 105 of the Gressette Building, the House and Senate will begin to hash out the differences between their versions of the budget in conference committee.
Can you help us ask Senators on the conference committee to support these solar-friendly provisos in the House amended version of the budget?
Other updates from last week:
Litter – We’re happy to report that H.4458 is close to the finish line in the Senate and we hope they’ll take a vote soon on this positive bill. It will help Law Enforcement enforce litter laws, including illegal dumping.
The week ahead in Columbia:
Anti-Home Rule – We have just three more days to stop H.3529 – the short-sighted legislation that undermines the rights of local municipalities to pursue local solutions to local plastic pollution problems. We kept this terrible bill from getting a vote on the Senate floor this last week with your help, but we need to keep up the pressure. Please keep contacting your Senator and tell them that you believe communities should have the right to find local solutions to local problems and ask them to vote against this unnecessary government overreach.
Energy Reform – This week is also the last chance to consider two important energy reform bills that are on the Senate floor. H.4375 better defines the responsibilities of utilities under the Base Load Review Act to consider their investments prudently. H.4379 creates a Consumer Advocate to represent rate-payers before the PSC.
P.S. As always, please visit our Legislative Action Center for the latest and most urgent actions. >>
And, if you have any questions about these bills or want to read more about our conservation priorities for this session, check out our summary of 2018 legislative priorities here. >>