This is your SolarWakeup for March 7th, 2019

Put It To A Vote. The Green New Deal resolution could make its way to the Senate floor for a vote. McConnell threatened the vote as a threat to democrats so they would have to be on the record thinking that voting for the resolution could hurt them politically. Schumer is calling his potential bluff and saying it should go tot he floor for a vote because not only does he think the democratic caucus will support it (the resolution) Schumer also thinks that republicans will be hurt by voting against it. Climate change and renewable energy are going from unknown political issue to the vote that matters in the Senate.  

The Midwest Factor. Politicians from the Midwest will have to think a few times about how to play their messaging to their voters. A ’No’ vote would have to be pitched as being against the bill while still remaining in favor of renewable energy, especially wind. The Iowa caucus used to be about the ethanol pledge and it’s now turning into the support for wind energy and the PTC. That’s the upside of the Green New Deal language, it isn’t specific to the technology and drives the best path towards the local decision makers. 

I Missed This Too. Part of the Bloomberg announcement was a specific goal around the Beyond Carbon campaign. That goal is the closure of all coal plants by 2030 and to transition away from oil and gas. My follow up question is about the strategy to reach that goal, is it political, financial or through regulatory changes?

The Hopeful Outlook. After the feedback from yesterday on whether SMART is smart, let’s look at the more optimistic view of the Massachusetts future. First, energy storage is going to be a giant market and MA is leading the charge. That is why I am interview the CCO of Engie Storage Marc Roper. Second, when it comes to startups in solar and clean energy there are very few people as committed to that mission as Greentown Labs and I will be joined with CEO, Emily Reichert. I’d love for you to join me at the theatre for this event, see the agenda and more at solarwakeuplive.com 

Opinion

 

Have a great day!

Yann