Defend Rooftop Solar

Learn what native plants and rooftop solar have in common

California has a proud history of being the first in major environmental protections: We lead the nation in discussions on climate change and biodiversity, not the least of which is California’s broadly publicized 30×30 Initiative to protect 30 percent of its lands and waters by 2030.

But Californians continue to be presented with false choices between clean energy and habitat protection. In December 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) proposed to enact changes to Net Energy Metering: The credit homeowners receive for generating power beyond what they use would be cut by 87% and the average homeowner would have to pay a “tax” of $56 a month for their rooftop solar.

This will drive consumers away from rooftop solar and create greater pressure to build facilities on intact desert and grassland habitats. This is antithetical to California’s goal of conserving land while shifting to renewable energy. CNPS has long advocated for clean energy in the right locations–this includes rooftop solar as an alternative to destructive, large-scale energy development that impacts pristine habitat.