Nevada Judge Rules Against Proposed Rooftop Solar Ballot Measure

(AP) — A Carson City judge has ruled against a proposed ballot measure that seeks to reverse Nevada's rooftop solar rate hike.

Judge James Russell ruled Monday that a petition filed by the No Solar Tax PAC and backed by rooftop solar panel companies doesn't qualify as a referendum but should be classified as an initiative petition.

An initiative petition approved by voters would require legislative review before becoming law.

The proposed measure would return Nevada to old, lower rates and remove any cap on the number of solar users statewide.

A coalition that includes NV Energy challenged the petition in court.

Referendum supporters can appeal Russell's decision.

Regulators approved higher rates for rooftop solar customers last year. Commissioners say it phases out subsidies, while rooftop solar companies say it's forced layoffs.