Today the U.S. Senate passed S. 2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016, a culmination of more than a year of bipartisan efforts by Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chair Lisa Murkowski and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the U.S. Senate passed S. 2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016, a culmination of more than a year of bipartisan efforts by Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chair Lisa Murkowski and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell. Following is a statement from Christopher Mansour, vice president of federal affairs for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA):

"The Senate has taken a strong step in the right direction by passing the Energy Policy Modernization Act. This legislation contains several notable wins for solar energy. Chief among them are the inclusion of solar heating and cooling as technologies that can meet the federal governments renewable portfolio standard, language directing the Energy Department to identify appropriate costs and benefits for the valuation of distributed generation (DG) solar, provisions to improve permitting of solar power plants sited on federal lands, and directing the Energy Department to study avian populations and to establish baseline scientific information. We look forward to working with House and Senate leaders to ensure that any final measure sent to the President has strong pro-solar policies and leaves out any provisions harmful to our industry."

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About SEIA®:

Celebrating its 42nd anniversary in 2016, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to champion the use of clean, affordable solar in America by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.