Solar and Storage Industry Statement on Bipartisan Permitting Reform Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Manchin (I-WV) and Barrasso (R-WY) released the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 to enhance energy security and improve permitting for energy infrastructure projects.

In April, more than 200 solar and storage companies called for comprehensive permitting reforms that open federal lands to clean energy, modernize the grid, and build out transmission capacity.

Following is a statement from Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on the development:

We’re pleased to see bipartisan recognition that we must quickly and efficiently build out transmission capacity to keep pace with America’s growing electricity demand. For years, SEIA has been calling for a fundamental shift in the way we build transmission capacity and has long advocated for reforms that fairly allocate costs. While we’re still reviewing the details, this is a conversation worth having.

We also commend the renewed efforts to simplify and streamline the development of clean energy infrastructure on public lands, helping us lower costs for ratepayers and improve grid reliability. This bill is a positive step forward for our clean energy future, and we look forward to seeing this bipartisan bill get introduced on the Senate floor.

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About SEIA®: 

The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy, creating the framework for solar to achieve 30% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Founded in 1974, SEIA is the national trade association for the solar and solar + storage industries, building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org and follow @SEIA on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Media Contact: 

Jen Bristol, SEIA’s Senior Director of Communications, jbristol@seia.org (202) 556-2886