WASHINGTON, D.C. – West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has vetoed legislation, HB 2201, which could have jeopardized the future of rooftop solar in the state by rewriting West Virginia’s net-metering policies. In announcing his decision, the Governor said the bill contained technical errors.
“We applaud Gov. Tomblin for doing the right thing,” said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), which strongly opposed the legislation. “This bill was fatally flawed. Was it for political reasons? Or was it a case of sloppy drafting? Whichever the case, Gov. Tomblin did the right thing by vetoing the bill and sending it back to the drawing board.”
Worst of all, Resch added, the legislation failed to protect hundreds of families, businesses and churches that have already installed solar from being hit with unfair charges. “This legislation would have had the practical effect of stymying – if not killing – the growth of rooftop solar in West Virginia.”
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About SEIA:
Celebrating its 41st anniversary in 2015, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to champion the use of clean, affordable solar in America by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.
Media Contacts:
Ken Johnson, SEIA Vice President of Communications, kjohnson@seia.org (202) 556-2885
Samantha Page, SEIA Press Officer and Communications Manager, spage@seia.org (202) 556-2886