132094-1:n:05/25/2011:DSM/th LRS2011-3271

HR745
By Representatives Williams (P), Ball, McCutcheon, Johnson (W), Hall, Sanderford, Patterson, Hubbard (M) and Mask
RFD
Rd 1 25-MAY-11

RECOGNIZING THE ALABAMA SUN SHOT INITIATIVE.

WHEREAS, renewable energy has the ability to enhance energy independence in the United States, reduce emissions, lessen the negative impacts of global climate change, create millions of clean energy jobs, and lower energy costs, and solar energy is a vital component of Alabama's renewable energy production; and

WHEREAS, the state finds that solar energy is an abundant, renewable, and nonpolluting energy resource; and

WHEREAS, solar energy systems can help to offset growing energy and peak power demands; and

WHEREAS, the state wishes to advance the use of solar energy by all of its citizens, businesses, and industries; and

WHEREAS, Alabama led the "Moon Shot" of landing on the moon with more residents than any other state responsible for accomplishing one of history's greatest feats; and

WHEREAS, in 2011, the United States Department of Energy has established the "Sun Shot" initiative to drive the cost of solar installations to less than $1 per watt of power produced; and

WHEREAS, properly designed renewable energy installation ordinances can help communities facilitate greater access to solar energy; and

WHEREAS, thousands of jobs for Alabama citizens can be created by the installation and maintenance of solar energy installations; and

WHEREAS, solar parking canopy structures offer a reduction in heat island created by parking lot asphalt surfaces, a reduction in fuel used to cool hot automobile interiors, a reduction in sun damage to automobiles, and a safer, brighter lit parking structure at night; and

WHEREAS, in the event of a natural disaster, solar parking canopy structures can provide a ready source of energy production; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That the Legislature is committed to establishing the Alabama Sun Shot Initiative for which Alabama will seek to obtain one percent of the state's energy consumption from renewable solar energy in the form of solar parking canopies located in parking lots across Alabama.

Resolutions, Congratulatory

Alabama Sun Shot Initiative

Text highlighted in yellow are proposed additions to the bill.
Text stricken and in red are proposed deletions from the bill.