Cárdenas, Lowenthal introduce NET METER ACT in support of green energy sources
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) and Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47) introduced the National Evaluation of Techniques for Making Energy Technologies More Effective and Resilient (NET METER) Act to create a national study on net metering to guide states interested in developing effective net metering programs.
Net metering allows consumers and businesses who generate some or all of their own electricity, particularly through wind and solar energy technology, to be compensated for the excess energy that they provide to the electric grid and other customers.
The NET METER Act is a companion bill to efforts in the Senate led by Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Bernie Sanders (D-VT).
Congressman Cárdenas:
“Los Angeles has been a pioneer in promoting clean energy and importantly, making it accessible to consumers. Since 1999, LA has offered a net metering program to Angelenos who connect their solar system to the energy grid, which provides an incentive for more families to invest in and afford green energy. I am proud to lead the NET METER Act with Rep. Lowenthal and Senator Hassan so that we can share guidance with other cities and states working to make clean energy more accessible to American families. Creating access to clean energy means less pollution and cleaner air for Americans for generations to come.”
“Net metering provides crucial incentives for homeowners, businesses, and public agencies to increase their use of renewable energy. I’m pleased to work with Rep. Cárdenas and Sen. Hassan on this common-sense legislation to evaluate how utilities can best incentivize renewable energy infrastructure.”
Since he became an elected official, Congressman Cárdenas has fought to make clean energy accessible for everyone. During his tenure in the California State Assembly, Congressman Cárdenas successfully led an effort to push the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to establish a Renewable Portfolio Standard, which requires an increase in production of energy from renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, biomass and geothermal. He led similar efforts with LADWP as a member of the Los Angeles City Council, including the successful implementation of a feed-in tariff designed to accelerate investment in renewable energy technologies.
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