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Legislative & Regulatory
Update 
Federal
U.S. Senate Bill Would Extend Wind Energy Tax Credit
Introduced and Referred to Senate Finance Committee, 3/15/2012:
S.2201: The legislation, entitled the American Energy and Job Promotion Act, would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend, by two years, the renewable wind energy credit, which otherwise would expire at the end of the year, and to extend other renewable energy credits by one year. The Code gives wind turbine operators a tax credit, worth 2.2 cents per kilowatt-hour generated, once turbines are up and producing power.
Text of Bill
Sponsor News Release, Sen. Chuck Grassley
New Jersey
Bill Aims to Stabilize Solar Market
Introduced 5/14/2012:
S-1925: The proposed bill would reduce the Solar Alternative Compliance Payment (SACP), which electric suppliers may pay to meet solar requirements, and change the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) for energy derived from solar facilities, as well as introduce the concept of virtual net metering in certain circumstances for governmental entities. The changes to the SACP, together with the changes to the RPS, are intended to stabilize the Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) market in New Jersey.
Text of Bill
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Publishes Waiver Rule
Adopted Rule Allows DEP to Modify Compliance Requirements in Certain Circumstances
In response to Governor Christie's Executive Order No 2, which directs state agencies to implement common sense principles of government reform, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has adopted a new rule that gives the agency flexibility to modify compliance with rules in certain limited circumstances. The Official Version of the DEP Waiver Rules was published in the New Jersey Register on April 2, 2012. In it, DEP acknowledges that strict compliance with rules may produce unfair or unintended results and undermine, rather than advance, legislative intent. DEP will accept requests for waivers of a rule requirement beginning August 1, 2012. Please see the link below for a Client Advisory prepared by Archer & Greiner.
Advisory
Full Text of Adopted Rule
Committee Clears Bill Requiring Fire Safety Measures for Solar Panels
Reported out of Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee, 2nd Reading, 3/8/2012:
A-266 (Identical Bill S-507) (Last Session Bill Numbers: A-4288, S-3153): The bill would require a solar energy system affixed to any newly constructed or currently existing structure to be equipped with a device capable of disconnecting the system at a readily accessible location in close proximity to the meter on the exterior of the structure. It would also require identifying emblems on such structures to notify firefighters of solar panels.
Text of Bill
Committee Statement, 3/8/2012
Bill Would Expand Incentives for Construction of Energy Efficient Homes
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Environment and Energy Committee, 2/9/2012:
S-1489 (Last Session Bill Number: S-1565): The bill would require that New Jersey Energy Star Homes Program financial incentives be available statewide, rather than limited to areas designated for growth in the State Development and Redevelopment Plan, adopted pursuant to the State Planning Act.
Text of Bill
NJ Energy Star Homes Program, Notice of 2012 Program Changes
Assembly Passes Legislation to Provide Tax Credits for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Passed by the Assembly, 3/15/2012 (54-20-5):
A-566 (Last Session Bill Number: A-3650, S-2612): The bill would provide a corporation business tax credit and gross income tax credits for purchase and installation of certain electric vehicle charging stations.
Text of Bill
Assembly Appropriations Committee Statement, 3/12/2012
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