Source: Albany Times Union
Publication Date: Dec. 29, 2007

 

Regarding the Dec. 26 article, "Bill caps solar gains," by Brian Nearing:

The compromise proposal on net metering would be a win-win for the environment and economic development. Right now, New York has one of the most restrictive laws on net metering, allowing only residential property owners to get cash payments for excess solar energy they sell to utility companies.

If businesses like shopping malls and office towers can get credits for the energy they produce, they would be able to reinvest their savings into future growth. At the same time, they would boost the market for photovoltaic cells and help the state meet its goal of reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions.

Sen. James Wright, R-Watertown, has been a strong advocate of commercial net metering, and, with his retirement from the Legislature at the end of 2007, we hope his colleagues will pick up where he has left off and shepherd this proposal toward passage.

MARCIA BYSTRYN Executive Director New York League of Conservation Voters/New York City