SEIA Statement on Resignation of Congresswoman Giffords

WASHINGTON – Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), released the following statement today after the announcement that Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ 8) would resign from Congress this week:

“Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has been one of the strongest supporters and advocates for solar energy in the United States and her absence in Washington will be sorely felt. Not only did she advocate for policies to accelerate adoption of solar energy, she led by example, installing solar on her own Tucson home. And her Solar 101 workshops were also excellent opportunities for her constituents to meet this extraordinary person and learn about a technology that she deeply cares for. 

“Today, the solar energy industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. More than 100,000 Americans work in the solar industry at over 5,600 businesses spanning all 50 states. That success has been driven in part by policies that have opened new markets for solar energy. And no policymaker has been more dedicated to this effort than Gabby Giffords.  

“But well beyond her efforts to make solar energy a mainstream source of energy in the U.S., Gabby has been a model public servant and her recovery over the last year has been truly inspiring. While the solar community will miss her leadership on Capitol Hill, we all wish her the best in her continued recovery and look forward to working with her again in the near future.”

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About SEIA:
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA is working to build a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,100 member companies to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy.  www.seia.org.