A more Natural State

Senate Bill 145’s goal is to modernize outdated laws that prevent Arkansas from using solar energy. Arkansas has the potential to be 11th in the nation in solar power, but because of these outdated laws, we ranked 46th in 2017.

Yet, as a conservative, why should I care?

Because of the immense economic benefits in store.

Jobs: Updated policies would bring in solar-using corporations (such as Macy’s, Amazon, and Apple), and billions of dollars worth of jobs via the construction and assembly of these industries. Solar installation is projected to be the fastest-growing job sector for the next eight years. These jobs aren’t just for college grads, but also for those in trade schools and construction. Additionally, these jobs can’t be outsourced.

Free market: No one would be forced to use solar—it would simply become a widely available market-competitive option. This economic competition would lead to healthy financial success in our state overall, and wouldn’t incur extra costs.

Private ownership: Arkansans can still control how they power their homes—SB145 would simply modernize laws that limit these options for Arkansans. This legislation would put power back into the hands of private home and property owners, letting them power their homes however they please.

It is absolutely crucial to our state’s economy—especially from a Republican standpoint—to modernize those laws that hold back our state’s economic potential, and are subsequently tying the hands of our state’s citizens.

I look forward to becoming a far more Natural State.

KATIE ZAKRZEWSKI

North Little Rock