Regional Initiatives

Western Governors Association

Background

In 2005 the Western Governors Association, lead by Governors Schwarzenegger (CA) and Richardson (NM), passed a resolution to develop 30,000 MW of 'clean and diversified' energy by 2015. Vote Solar participated on the WGA Solar Task Force and was one of the main authors of the Solar Task Force report delivered to the Governors. The Solar Task Force report illustrated that 4,000 MW of solar PV, 4,000 MW of concentrating solar and 2,000MW_th solar hot water can easily be developed in the Western States if the necessary policies are enacted. This development would drastically reduce the cost of solar power, bringing it down to a level competitive with conventional power in many states.

Policy Needs

The Solar Task Force report illustrates the importance of creating the right policy atmosphere for developing multiple types of solar energy in any state. The report follows the same criteria that Vote Solar pursues, including:

Financial Incentives
Net Metering
Interconnection
Rate Design

For more information you can download the report (PDF).

Next Steps

The Governors will consider the recommendations of the task force at WGA's June meeting in Sedona, Arizona. After that we plan to take the report on a "road show" to all the Western States to talk with the Governors, their staff, key legislators and regulatory commissioners about the importance of developing solar energy in their states.