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Solar energy is extremely popular in California. A survey earlier this year in Riverside and San Bernardino counties found that a majority of people were concerned about climate change and nearly 80% of respondents supported local development of solar energy.

However, the cost of installing solar panels on rooftops is prohibitive particularly for low-income Californians. In response, the Sierra Club has announced a Clean Energy Bill of Rights as part of their My Generation campaign, which among other things, asserts the right of Californians to “generate, own, and use local clean energy in their homes and in their communities, without unnecessary obstacles and red tape, or fear of being penalized by government or utilities with unfair rules, fees or penalties.”

The state of California already has more roofs with solar panels than any other state in the nation. A 2006 effort called the Million Solar Roofs initiative helped spur the growth of solar energy. Two years later, California passed what’s called a Feed-in Tariff system which financially compensates solar energy producers for contributing electricity to the grid.

In addition to the My Generation campaign, the Sierra Club is also calling on Governor Jerry Brown to support AB 1990 which passed the Assembly on May 30th. The “Solar-for-all” bill as it’s called, would create a Feed-in tariff system designed specifically for low-income communities of color who are disproportionately affected by fossil fuel pollution. AB 1990 heads to the Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications, before heading to the State Senate for a vote.

GUEST: Michael Sarmiento, campaign organizer for the Sierra Club’s My Generation Campaign.

Visit www.sierraclub.org/mygeneration for more information.