Senator-elect Markey Hailed by SEIA as Solar Champion

WASHINGTON, D.C. – SEIA President and CEO Rhone Resch issued the following statement after Massachusetts voters elected long-time Congressman Ed Markey as the newest member of the U.S. Senate:

“As the fifth-longest serving member of the House, no one is more qualified to be a United States Senator – nor more deserving – than Ed Markey.  During his 37 years in office, Senator-elect Markey has been a true crusader when it comes to protecting the environment and protecting the rights of American consumers.

“What’s more, Senator-elect Markey was also one of the very first solar champions in Congress.  At the 1980 Democratic National Convention in New York City, he touted the importance of solar during a coveted speaking slot.  We are proud to call him a friend and an advocate.

“America’s solar industry, which employs 120,000 Americans at more than 5,600 companies across the U.S., salutes Senator-elect Markey for his long-time commitment to solar, and we congratulate him on his election as Massachusetts’ newest Senator.   We look forward to working with Senator-elect Markey on exciting new ways to expand the use of clean energy nationwide.”

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 and its 1,000 member companies are building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works 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

Media Contacts:             
Jamie Nolan, 202-556-2886, jnolan@seia.org
Ken Johnson, 202-556-2885, kjohnson@seia.org

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