GREENSTEIN/WATSON COLEMAN/LAMPITT BILL TO PROMOTE SOLAR ENERGY CLEARS ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE

GREENSTEIN/WATSON COLEMAN/LAMPITT BILL
TO PROMOTE SOLAR ENERGY CLEARS ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE

Measure Would Give New Home Buyers Option for Solar Energy Panels

(TRENTON) - The Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee today released a measure Assemblywomen Linda R. Greenstein, Bonnie Watson Coleman and Pamela R. Lampitt sponsored that would promote energy efficiency through the installation of solar energy panels in new homes.

"We can vastly improve the quality of life for all New Jersey families by encouraging investment in solar energy systems in all new houses," said Greenstein (D-Mercer).  "Sound public policy and environmentally responsible practices can come together to provide dividends for generations." 

The measure (A-1558) would require developers of single-family homes to offer prospective buyers the option, during negotiations, to have solar energy systems installed in new homes built in housing developments with at least 50 units.     

"We must reduce our reliance on increasingly expensive fossil fuels by making use of renewable energy resources that can save consumers money and ensure our precious natural resources," said Watson Coleman (D-Mercer).  "By using solar energy for heat and electricity we can significantly reduce the emission of dangerous greenhouse gases."  

The measure would require developers to make prospective homebuyers aware of the option for solar energy systems through advertisements for their respective housing projects.  If a prospective homeowner requests a solar energy system, the developer would be obligated to install it in the owner's new residence. The Department of Community Affairs would ensure compliance with the mandate.
 
"We must do all we can to change behavior that contributes to the growing menace of greenhouse gas emissions," said Lampitt (D-Camden).  "We have a responsibility to promote solar energy to save homeowners money in utility bills, protect the health of our environment, and stomp out the threat of global warming."

The bill would apply only to development applications approved beginning in January 2009.

The measure was released 7 to 0.  It now heads to the Assembly Speaker who decides if and when to post it for a floor vote.

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