QUICK NEWS, March 19: Climate Change On The Campaign Trail; A Year Of Distributed Solar Growth

Climate Change On The Campaign Trail America Cares About Climate Change Again; For the first time in years, a broad spectrum of climate advocates is playing offense.

Robinson Meyer, March 19, 2019 (The Atlantic)

“…[T]he loose alliance of politicians, activists, and organizations concerned about climate change is mobilizing…[and] deploying a new set of strategies…[They have not yet agreed] on an ideal federal policy or even how to talk about the problem. They do not always coordinate or communicate with one another…[and it is] too early to say whether they will result in the kind of national legislative victories that have eluded the movement…[but they are] playing offense…[Washington State Governor Jay Inslee’s newly announced presidential run is based] entirely on his decades-long climate focus…[Michael Bloomberg is not running but will fund a new campaign called Beyond Carbon for the Sierra Club…

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…[At the state level, New Mexico will join California, Hawaii, and the District of Columbia with its] goal for 100 percent carbon-free electricity…Twelve more Democratic governors have promised to mandate the same 100 percent target…[On March 15, there was] a worldwide student strike for climate action. The Sunrise Movement, a youth-led group that brought national attention to the Green New Deal in November, plans to hold 100 town-hall meetings in support of the plan across the country…[But the views of the country’s most powerful Republican] seem extremely unlikely to change…[but] environmental groups and their allies are feeling whiplash at how far the conversation has come…” click here for more

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A Year Of Distributed Solar Growth The State(s) of Distributed Solar — 2018 Update

Marie Donahue, 12 Mar 2019 (Institute for Local Self-Reliance)

“…[The expansion of New Energy in 2018] complements a growing number of states, utilities, and cities that have set ambitious goals to transition to 100 percent renewable and carbon-free power generation…New solar photovoltaic capacity, including from small-scale distributed solar systems (such as arrays on the rooftop of a home or business), shared community solar gardens, as well as larger utility-scale systems, has played a significant role in the overall transition…A growing number of states are making investments in solar a priority…[These investments help] build wealth locally and allow individuals and communities to take greater ownership over their energy future…

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As of 2018, 11 states now claim more than 1000 megawatts of total solar capacity, and 37 have more than 100 megawatts (states shown in yellow, orange, and red)…[Of the 11 states, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New York] have shares of distributed generation greater than 50 percent…Burgeoning distributed solar markets in Midwestern states like Ohio and Illinois have also benefited from policies that support greater access and more local control of energy infrastructure…Unfortunately, [states that rely more heavily on larger and utility-scale solar systems do not] have policies in place that make it easy to invest in distributed and shared solar systems…[Larger scale solar projects require more capital upfront, more time to construct, and are typically left to investor-owned utilities to operate and manage…” click here for more

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