Four US States Scoring Under-the-Radar Clean Energy Wins

This blog post originally appeared on the World Resources Institute blog.

In the United States, the falling cost of renewable energy means the economic case for investing in renewables is stronger than ever before. Across the country, from South Carolina to Nevada, states are taking new measures to harness wind and solar power. Since January, more than 10 state legislatures have enacted policies that encourage new renewable energy development.

State action promoting a friendly market for renewables—whether through eliminating unnecessary price barriers or setting statewide clean energy goals—can make all the difference for adding more renewable energy on the grid. While a few states like California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts have internationally recognized ambitious policies, there are many more taking significant, new steps at closing the policy gap that limits clean energy development. And this is happening in states beyond the established forerunners. Here are just a few of the states making gains:

Arkansas Enables Third-Party Contracts for Solar

Like many of its neighbors in the southeastern United States, Arkansas has ample untapped solar potential. Though solar generation grew more than 500 percent last year, it’s nascent industry still ranks only 32nd nationally. This year, things are poised to scale-up significantly: with the passage of the Solar Access Act in March, Arkansas became the latest state to allow third parties to finance solar developments, opening the door for buyers to develop new projects and boost employment for Arkansans.

The bipartisan Solar Access Act was passed by the state legislature with only a handful of dissenting votes, and had the backing of large and small businesses, as well as local environmental organizations. A major supporter was Arkansas-based Walmart, which has a goal of powering its operations with 50 percent renewable energy by 2025. The company recently signed contracts for 46 solar projects in five states, and is now set to harness the sun shining in its home state.

South Carolina Ends Caps on Net Metering

The Energy Freedom Act, expected to be signed by South Carolina’s governor, garnered strong support from not only both political parties, but also from utilities, as well as community members and solar advocates. The bill lifts caps on the number of homes that can install rooftop solar panels. It also enables new customers to lock in retail-rate net metering, which allows customers to get credited for excess electricity generated from solar installations on their property.

The policy also aims to help commercial and industrial consumers by allowing some large buyers to secure 10-year large-scale solar contracts with utilities. Longer contracts provide buyers less financial risk and cut down on the frequency of permitting processes. And as the solar market grows in South Carolina, it will likely drive demand for solar installers, the fastest growing occupation in the United States.

Maine Reengages on Renewables

Maine’s new governor Janet Mills was elected on a platform of putting Maine back on track towards a renewable future. Shortly after taking office, Mills abolished a moratorium on new onshore wind projects and has said she is eager to develop an offshore wind industry on the Maine coast, which has the highest offshore wind potential in the American Northeast.

Governor Mills has also replaced a “gross net metering” policy, a system that required all electricity generated from rooftops to be metered and charged even if it was not routed onto the grid. The new policy uses a standard net metering policy that incentivizes customers to purchase solar energy on their rooftops by compensating them for any unused electricity flowing into the grid.

Just a few weeks ago, Mills put forward legislation to set goals of sourcing 80 percent of the state’s energy from renewables by 2030, and 100 percent by 2050. While the bill has not yet been voted upon, it has already received bipartisan support and has a Republican lead sponsor in the state’s senate. Maine already gets 75 percent of its energy from hydroelectric dams, wind turbines, and biomass, and these new policies could enable the state to develop a wind and solar market large enough to export power to other states.

Nevada to Add Solar Capacity and Jobs

Passed unanimously, across party lines on Earth Day, Nevada’s new energy bill mandates that the state generate 50 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2030 and signals that the Silver State isn’t content with its existing Renewable Portfolio Standard( RPS). Though their prior RPS helped Nevada foster the fourth largest solar market in the United States, the new requirement means the state will need to develop new renewable energy facilities, an act that Nevada’s government believes could potentially add up to 11,170 full-time jobs and $1.5 billion in economic activity.

2019 and Beyond: A Clean Energy Future for the United States

These states are not alone in removing barriers and creating incentives for renewable energy development this year. Legislators in Michigan, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, which are all among the top ten US emitters, are currently discussing policies that could make renewable energy options more competitive in their regional energy markets. By creating enabling environments at the state level, these policies empower cities, utilities, businesses, and individuals to drive forward the clean energy revolution across the United States.

Cassie Etter-Wenzel is a Clean Energy Specialist in the Energy Program at World Resources Institute (WRI). Tyler Clevenger is a Research Analyst at WRI working on US energy and climate policy.