Canary Media: California moves to cut red tape for heat pumps, solar, and more

Late last month, the state Legislature passed two first-in-the-nation bills that would streamline permitting and inspections for these clean energy home projects. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign the bills, the Heat Pump Access Act (Senate Bill 222) and the Remote Virtual Inspection Act (Assembly Bill 1738). Newsom’s office declined to say which way he’s leaning. If enacted, the bills could save households hundreds of dollars to more than $1,000 in fees per environmentally friendly upgrade, according to independent analyses. The technologies all tend to reduce monthly utility bills, too. Bigger PICTURE.