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Update from Harrisburg July 5, 2011
Pennsylvania passed its $27.149 state budget on time, the Governor signed it and now the legislature is recessed until mid-September. That doesn’t mean work stops on HB #1580, Representative Chris Ross’s bill to change the solar requirement and close Pennsylvania borders to out of state projects. The proposed House bill has a whopping 68 co-sponsors which should be enough to get the legislature’s attention in the fall session. Over the summer, it is important we firm up these co-sponsorships, check back with legislators who co-sponsored the bill, thank them and see if they have any advice on how to reach other legislators or have any questions. For those legislators who haven’t co-sponsored the bill, especially Republicans, it is time to meet with them in their district offices over the summer. The goal over the summer is to get additional co-sponsorships so we are well positioned for a positive fall vote. Summer is a good time to meet with both your House Member and Senators, or with Members where you have solar projects located or under development. PASEIA’s and MSEIA’s website is slowing getting up to date with materials and background information and Peter Olmsted from Vote Solar is working on building a coalition over the summer so we have a strong group to move our agenda. Enjoy the summer and please let us know how you make out with your visits.
Submitted by Maureen Mulligan
Government relations and lobbyist PASEIA
