Colleagues,
Attached is a briefing memo that discusses the issues associated with expanding the Coalition’s portfolio to include solar energy.

We’ve mentioned this idea several times during our monthly conference calls but delayed the discussion since so much other work was pending at the time.

We’ve also included in this note our draft letters to the Senate Energy & Natural Resources (ENR) Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee. Both of these letters are still timely.

Although the ENR committee relase its energy bill to the Senate floor, there will be weeks o debate on floor amendments after Congress returns from the Augus recesss. The committee bill is weak on transmission development, and our letter could have an impact on floor amendments and debate.

As the letter to the Appropriations Committee makes clear, the drastic cuts to wind energy research and development will have an immediate impact on off shore and on shore tall tower research and development. Although it appears that Congress will likely adopt a Continuing Funding Resolution (CR), the letter could have an impact during the OMB and congressional negotiations on the CR.

We’ll plan to add the solar discussion to our next monthly conference call on Thursday morning, August 27. Of course, you’re welcome to share your comments with us before the call.  And please share any comments on the draft letters by this Friday.

Thanks.

Larry & David

 

Solar Briefing Memo

GWC ENR Letter (7-9-15 draft) sr

GWC Senate Appropriations Letter (draft 3)

 

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