Gov. Brewer signs Arizona solar jobs bill
The Phoenix Sun
In a major victory for solar advocates in the state, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer today signed SB 1403 into law.
The bill extends tax credits and other incentives to manufactures ofrenewable energy equipment (mainly solar) if they locate in Ariz0na andmeet other criteria.
Proponents of the legislation, which passed the AZ Senate on June15th and the House June 26th, have claimed that such a bill was amissing “third leg” on a stool that would support Arizona’s bid to bethe “solar capitol” of the nation.
(The other two legs are a large market for consuming solarelectricity and enough incoming solar radiation to produce largequantities of power.)
The bill was sponsored by Senator Barbara Leff (R-Paradise Valley) and Representative Michele Reagan (R-Scottsdale).
Several solar manufacturers have been watching the bill’s progress since it was introduced in March.
“We are happy to be one of the first companies to claim a homethere,” Drew Zogby, president and CEO of Alpha Technologies Inc., toldthe Arizona Republic after the bill was sent from the legislature tothe Governor’s office. Even without Brewer’s signature, Zogby seemedconfident that the legislation would become law.
According to the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), a mainsupporter of the bill, several businesses were waiting for theincentives package to become law before they, too, would announce plansfor relocating to Arizona.
In a statement released last week, the GPEC said it would meet withofficials from 25 major solar companies at the Intersolar NorthAmerican conference in San Francisco July 14-16.
According to Barry Broome, president of GPEC, “Major players in theglobal solar industry will be at this conference…There just isn’t abetter venue to show these companies what Arizona can offer thisindustry and to promote the Quality Jobs Through Renewable Industriesbill.”
Tonight, GPEC tweeted this message, “Thanks to Gov, Sen Leff, AZlegislators & GPEC stakeholders for the will & leadership toimprove AZ’s economy!”
The Phoenix Sun covers solar power from Phoenix, Arizona – the sunniest major city in the nation. In addition to reportingon innovations in solar technology, green job growth and advice for homeowners who want to go solar, the Sun investigates stories you won’t findelsewhere. We cover the legal, political and regulatory framework that has keptthe US solar power industry far behind competitors in Europe and Asia. And wetrack the potential for a solar surge today and tomorrow. The sun isedited by investigative reporter Osha Gray Davidson who has covered theenvironment and politics for 25 years, writing for Mother Jones, RollingStone, the New York Times, and other national and international publications.Articles l Homepage