1. Public interest. The Legislature finds that it is in the public interest to develop renewable energy resources, including solar energy, in a manner that protects and improves the health and well-being of the citizens and natural environment of the State while also providing economic benefits to communities, ratepayers and the overall economy of the State.

[PL 2013, c. 562, §1 (NEW).]

2. Contribution of solar energy development. The Legislature finds that the solar energy resources of the State constitute a valuable indigenous and renewable energy resource and that solar energy development, which is unique in its benefits to and impacts on the climate and the natural environment, can make a contribution to the general welfare of the citizens of the State for the following reasons:
A. Solar energy is an energy resource that does not rely on fossil fuel combustion and therefore it can displace energy provided by that source and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions; and [PL 2013, c. 562, §1 (NEW).]
B. There is an inexhaustible supply of solar energy throughout the State that should be used cost-effectively for heat and electricity using current technology. [PL 2013, c. 562, §1 (NEW).]

[PL 2013, c. 562, §1 (NEW).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 2013, c. 562, §1 (NEW).