SEIA Statement on Clean Power Plan Publication

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Upon publication today of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan in the Federal Register, Rhone Resch, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) issued the following statement:

“As a nation, it is time to replace our aging, dirty energy infrastructure with clean, reliable, affordable 21st century energy technologies. Solar energy is the most sensible compliance option for states under the Clean Power Plan. Solar works in all 50 states, has zero carbon emissions, creates more jobs per megawatt (MW) than any other technology, and can be deployed cost-effectively and quickly – all while improving grid reliability. The solar industry is looking forward to helping states achieve an optimal long-term strategy for both their economies and environment.”

Resch continued, “Over the last five years, the solar industry has been one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. We will expand production and lower costs to meet any increased demand under the Clean Power Plan for solar to power our homes, businesses, factories, churches and schools, while creating solid, well-paying jobs for hundreds of thousands of Americans.”

In response to reports of possible litigation on the Clean Power Plan, SEIA’s Vice President of State Affairs, Sean Gallagher, said:

“The Clean Power Plan follows a tradition of using proven technologies and market based solutions, such as solar energy, to reduce emissions. We expect that the Court will correctly determine that the EPA is well within its authority under the Clean Air Act to direct states to rely on emission-reduction technologies, like solar, to reduce emissions from the electric sector while creating jobs and driving investment.  The solar industry plans to strongly defend this rule against any legal opposition that arises along the way.”

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About SEIA®:

Celebrating its 41st anniversary in 2015, 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. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to champion the use of clean, affordable solar in America by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contact:

Alex Hobson, SEIA Press Officer & Communications Manager, ahobson@seia.org (202) 556-2886