HR-5997 : Still Just a Bill

The "Streamlining Home Installation of New Energies Act of 2023" (SHINE Act of 2023) or H.R. 5997 aims to simplify and accelerate the permitting process for residential distributed energy systems. Key provisions include:

• Definitions: Defines "qualifying distributed energy system" to include solar, wind, battery storage, EV chargers, and hydrogen fuel cell systems.
• Program Establishment: Requires the Secretary of Energy to create a voluntary streamlined permitting and inspection process for local authorities.
• Activities:
  • Develops an online permitting platform.
  • Sets adoption targets for streamlined permitting.
  • Provides technical assistance and training to local authorities.
  • Creates a voluntary inspection protocol, exploring remote and sample-based inspections.
• Support Services: Offers technical and financial assistance to relevant entities.
• Certification Program: Allows the Secretary to certify local authorities that implement the streamlined process and award prizes to encourage adoption.
• Authorization of Appropriations: Allocates $20 million annually from 2024 through 2027 for these activities.

In short, this bill seeks to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and promote the adoption of distributed energy technologies by standardizing and simplifying the permitting and inspection processes at the local level.