Why would six North Carolina Chambers of Commerce send an urgent letter to the State General Assembly?

Six North Carolina Chamber directors, representing hundreds of businesses in rural regions, emphasized in a letter to legislators that wind and solar energy projects deliver extraordinary economic benefits to their communities including new jobs, new tax revenues and landowner lease payments.

"Many of our communities have struggled to attract new jobs, business opportunities and major investments for decades. In recent years, however, we've welcomed new economic development opportunities and businesses, including wind and solar energy project developers, service providers, manufacturing companies, research and educational institutions, engineering, architects, construction firms and contractors, and other businesses engaged in the renewable energy sector."

Their primary request to legislators- support policies that allow the renewable industry to thrive in the northeastern part of North Carolina, thereby sending a clear signal to companies and investors that the state is open for business.

See the complete letter here. If you would like more information about North Carolina Chambers of Commerce and their interest in renewable energy, please contact susan@chambersforinnovation.com

SunEnergy1's Summit Farm Solar together with two other area solar farms in Currituck County, NC generate $225,244 annually in new, local tax revenue.

Amazon Wind Farm US East operated by Avangrid Renewables is now the largest taxpayer in both Pasquotank and Perquimans counties in NC bringing in $640,000 in annual tax revenue.

Lancaster Chamber Praises New PA Legislation That Keeps Solar Jobs in State, Offers $30 Million in Grants for Businesses

In an effort to help develop and maintain solar jobs and manufacturing in Pennsylvania, new bipartisan legislation was recently passed and signed into law to do just that. Act 40 is designed to keep solar energy jobs within the Keystone State instead of sourcing them to neighboring states, as has been practice in recent years.

Additionally, $30 million in grants and loans is now available through the Solar Energy Program (SEP) to businesses that manufacture solar equipment, or generate or distribute solar power. The goal is to support Pennsylvania’s efforts to strengthen its position in the clean energy space.

“The Solar Energy Program is vital in our efforts to make Pennsylvania a leader in clean energy,” Governor Wolf said. “Developing new renewable energy sources including solar is critical to ensuring Pennsylvania has a balanced and diverse energy mix that maintains our position as a major energy producing state.”

Many local Pennsylvania chamber member businesses can benefit from the SEP as it provides financial assistance in the form of grant and loan funds to promote the use of solar energy in Pennsylvania.

Tom Baldrige, President & CEO, Lancaster Chamber

Home to over 1,400 solar installations, Lancaster County is sure to benefit from the SEP funds. The Lancaster Chamber, representing nearly 2,000 businesses, has applauded the new program.

“The Lancaster Chamber applauds the bi-partisan efforts to support Pennsylvania’s manufacturing and solar deployment,” said Tom Baldrige, the Chamber’s President & CEO. “Several of our member companies will benefit from the new law and the $30 million for the Solar Energy Program. We hope to attract more solar manufacturing and development in the state and in our county,” he added.

A recently-released clean energy jobs report revealed that there are nearly 70,000 jobs in solar, wind and energy efficiency across Pennsylvania, with Lancaster snagging a spot in the top 10 counties boasting 3,100 jobs.

If your member companies are interested in applying for a SEP loan or grant they can visit the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development page.

Read more in PV Magazine.