FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 10, 2004
 CONTACT :
Craig Reynolds
(916) 319-2008

Senate Passes Wolk's Solar Bill

Legislation makes installation of solar easier for homeowners
Sacramento - The California State Senate today passed AB 2473 (Wolk) with a vote of 30 - 2. The legislation, sponsored by the California Solar Energy Industries Association (CalSEIA), requires cities and counties to allow the installation of a solar energy system unless there are specific, adverse impacts upon public health or safety.

"The passage of this bill comes at the perfect time. Today just happens to be "Solar Day" here at the Capitol," commented Wolk. "I'm pleased to see that the Legislature recognizes the importance of promoting solar energy. We need to use other technologies, like solar, to help reduce the consumption of natural gas and electricity."

Solar Day, an event sponsored by CalSEIA, was attended Tuesday by manufacturers and installers of solar energy systems, legislators and staff, the Governor's staff, and environmental groups. Event highlights included a rally, complete with solar equipment demonstrations, celebrity speakers, and music.

At the rally, Wolk highlighted the overwhelming bipartisan support for the bill and the importance of eliminating unreasonable restrictions that homeowners may face when installing solar equipment.

"Unfortunately, there are many instances in California where restrictions were put on solar energy systems based on aesthetics," Wolk said during the rally. "My legislation would fix this. AB 2473 strikes the right balance between local jurisdictional concerns and those of the homeowners and businesses who wish to use solar energy."

AB 2473 next goes to the Assembly for concurrence, and then to the Governor for his signature.

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