New York’s Solar Workforce Now Nearly 10,000 Strong

WASHINGTON, D.C. and ALBANY, N.Y. – With nearly 10,000 solar jobs, New York now has one of the top 5 largest solar workforces in the country, according to a new report from The Solar Foundation. In testimony submitted to the New York State Senate today, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) highlighted the near-term policies that will be critical to continuing that success and realizing the state’s energy goals.

Following is a statement by Sean Gallagher, SEIA’s vice president of state affairs:

“Governor Cuomo and the New York State Legislature have a tremendous opportunity to pass legislation this year that would codify the state’s path to a clean energy future.

“For New York to achieve its stated goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2040, any energy legislation must advance the state’s short-term solar goals, require all renewable resources to provide a significant portion of the state’s electricity needs and ensure that solar energy is fairly valued. We look forward to working with lawmakers in Albany to enact policies this session that will allow New Yorkers to realize the many economic and environmental benefits solar offers.”

The New York State Senate is holding three hearings throughout the state on the Climate and Community Protection Act this week, the first of which is today in Albany. These hearings are an important step toward helping New York reach the laudable clean energy goals the state has set.

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About SEIA®:

Celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2019, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to build jobs and diversity, champion the use of cost-competitive solar in America, remove market barriers and educate the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contact:

Morgan Lyons, SEIA’s Senior Communications Manager, mlyons@seia.org (202) 556-2872