SEIA Says S.C. Legislature’s Failure to Pass Solar Bill Puts 3,000 Jobs at Risk

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) expressed disappointment that a pro-consumer, pro-solar jobs bill that passed the South Carolina House with a strong majority vote on Friday was defeated on Tuesday due to an arcane procedural rule raised by opponents to the measure.
 
The bill, approved by the state House on a 64-33 vote last week, would have eliminated an artificial cap on net metering, enabling more consumers to access solar as an electricity option. However, the bill was killed in the chamber after opponents used sleight of hand to force a second vote that required two-thirds of members to approve the bill in order for it to advance.
 
Following is a statement from Sean Gallagher, SEIA’s vice president of state affairs:
 
“We are deeply upset that the jobs of 3,000 South Carolina workers are now at risk due to a technicality, especially after the House voted with a clear majority to move the bill forward. We urge the state Senate to take up this legislation. It is vital to protecting South Carolina jobs and giving consumers the choice they deserve to lower their energy bills.”

###
 

About SEIA®:

Celebrating its 44th anniversary in 2018, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry, which now employs more than 250,000 Americans. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America.  SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to build jobs and diversity, champion the use of cost-competitive solar in America, remove market barriers and educate the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contact:

Alex Hobson, SEIA’s Director of External Communications, ahobson@seia.org (202) 556-2886