Tuesday, June 29, 2004

Take Action Now...
   Tomorrow Is Too Late!

California Solar Rights Act
Vote Scheduled for Wednesday, June 30, 9:30 AM

The California Solar Energy Industries Association (CalSEIA) is seeking your immediate support to help influence the Senate Local Government Committee's passage of CalSEIA's AB 2473 (Wolk) -- the Solar Rights Act.

With your help, this committee's passage of the Solar Rights Act as written would ensure that local governments cannot deny building permits simply due to aesthetic concerns.

Your timing will be vital as the Senate Local Government Committee is schedule to meet this Wednesday (June 30) at 9:30 am. That is tomorrow!

You can influence this committee's action by copying, editing and emailing your personalized letter to the representative in your District (see links below):

Senator Tom Torlakson (Chair) D-Antioch, District 07
Senator Bob Margett (Vice-Chair) R-Arcadia, District 29
Senator Dick Ackerman R-Eastern Orange County, District 33
Senator Dennis Hollingsworth R-El Cajon, District 36
Senator Michael Machado D-Stockton, District 05
Senator Don Perata D-Oakland (East Bay), District 09
Senator Nell Soto D-Ontario, Pamona, San Bernardino, District 32

June 29, 2004

Honorable (your Senator above)
Senate Local Government Committee
State Capitol, Room 410
Sacramento, CA 95814

SUPPORT: AB 2473 (WOLK)

Dear Senator (enter name):

(insert your business or company), currently employing (##) workers in California, would like to express its support for AB 2473 (Wolk) which would strengthen the Solar Rights Act of 1978 to ensure that Californians wishing to install solar energy systems on their homes can do so without unreasonable restrictions imposed by local governments.

Current law already prohibits unreasonable restrictions to solar system installations by local zoning or building ordinances. For instance, a jurisdiction can only impose restrictions upon a solar energy system that are necessary to protect public health and safety. However, some jurisdictions continue to limit residents' ability to install solar systems for reasons outside of health and safety standards. AB 2473 would simply prohibit cities and counties from denying permits unless they make written findings based on substantial evidence in the record that the proposed installations would have specific adverse public health and safety impacts.

California's ongoing need for clean and reliable energy has greatly increased the demand for solar energy systems. AB 2473 will remove unnecessary barriers to the installation of these systems without taking away a local jurisdiction's ability to ensure health and safety requirements are met.

Sincerely,

(enter your name)