Solar Can Thrive Despite Paris Decision

When the United States and countries around the world signed the Paris Agreement just over a year ago, it clearly pointed to greater use of solar energy around the world. The U.S. solar industry is reducing carbon emissions by more than 52 million metric tons annually. 

SEIA supported the Paris Agreement through negotiations and when it was signed, and we believe that the United States should stay engaged in it.

Though President Trump decided yesterday to withdraw the United States from the ranks of 190 other counties committed to this agreement, solar will remain a growing part of America’s energy portfolio. The solar industry will continue to add jobs, spark economic growth and reduce carbon emissions.

It’s been encouraging to see that corporate leaders and many state and local governments are committed to deploying more solar, and frankly we do not think the decision necessarily impedes solar growth and job creation.

It is a false narrative that you either have clean energy, or you have jobs and economic advancement. The last decade has proven that solar energy and jobs and economic growth go hand in hand in hand, and we believe our industry will continue to thrive based on that reality.