Mississippi limits discussion at solar summit as renewable energy advocates silenced

At a solar summit in Mississippi, renewable energy advocates were denied a chance to respond to regulators’ questions, sparking frustration among industry supporters.

Kristi E. Swartz reports for Floodlight.

In short:

• Mississippi Public Service Commission officials cut off comments from solar advocates during an open discussion at a recent summit.
• The event featured a speaker from a fossil fuel-backed think tank, while the clean energy industry had no official representation.
• Mississippi ranks low in solar energy production despite its high potential, generating less than 1% of its energy from solar.

Key quote:

“We want to hear from people who are not selling solar panels.”

— De’Keither Stamps, Mississippi Public Service Central District Commissioner

Why this matters:

Mississippi’s actions could further slow the adoption of renewable energy in one of the sunniest states. As climate concerns mount, stalling clean energy progress undermines national and global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Related:

• Wyoming hesitates to embrace solar energy despite its potential
• Virginia's move toward expanded access to shared solar energy
• Solar power's unstoppable rise: a new dawn in global energy