Dive Brief:
- The Louisiana Senate has approved curbs on solar tax credits, voting 19-20 to reject a proposal that would have let companies continue taking advantage of state tax incentives. The lawmakers also voted 34-5 for a bill that puts caps on the amount of incentives solar companies can collect.
- The incentive cap bill, which was sponsored by Rep. Erich Ponti (R) and would slash millions from solar tax credits, now returns to the House for approval.
- The New Orleans Advocate reports debate over the proposals was so forceful that the Senate's sergeant-at-arms was called in to observe the proceedings.
Dive Insight:
The solar debate in Louisiana is going strong, according to the New Orleans Advocate, complete with podium banging and calls for order. The Senate authorized legislation that would limit installers who lease rooftop solar generation from taking advantage of tax credits on the systems, amidst a debate that ultimately required the chamber's sergeant-at-arms to stand and observe the proceedings.
Ponti's measure, which would eliminate $15 million from the $63 million solar tax credit program, now heads back to the House. An amendment that stops installers from claiming any tax credits if they have not paid taxes was also passed.
Gulf States Renewable Energy Industries Association issued a statement following the vote, pointing out the thousands of jobs created by the solar industry along with $400 million in value to the state's economy. “This heavy-handed approach will devastate small businesses throughout the state and create uncertainty about the sincerity of the state’s commitments," said Jeff Cantin, president of the association.
The state's House of Representatives has been considering several bills which would place limits on solar installations, including another measure which would end tax credits on solar systems two years early, during this summer instead of at the end of 2017.
Correction: An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated that the amendment that stops installers from claiming any tax credits if they have not paid taxes was rejected. It was, in fact, passed.