Congressman Lamar Smith from Texas introduced solar energy legislation in the US House of Representatives yesterday. The “Solar Utilization Now Act of 2006,” or “SUN Act,” provides federal grants to help states conduct solar energy projects.
“The answer to much of our energy needs comes up every morning,” said Congressman Smith. “Solar power is clean, plentiful and has zero emissions and zero waste.”
The “SUN Act” encourages state government and private industry to team up to apply for federal grants. This will enable them to buy solar energy panels at nearly half the cost.
Under Smith’s bill, states are required to contribute at least 10 percent of the funding. The federal government matches the grant at a maximum of 40 percent. The rest would come from utilities or private industry. Since the grants are competitive, there is an incentive for states and utilities to pledge more than the minimum amounts. Every state would be eligible to participate in the program.
The program’s funding starts with $50 million in the first year (2007) and ramps up to $300 million in 2011.
“This bill is good for our energy security, national security and environmental security,” concluded Smith.
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