WASHINGTON - Rhone Resch, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), released the following statement on the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) draft supplemental Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for solar energy development released by the Department of the Interior today:

“For solar energy to continue working for America, the U.S. must develop its abundant solar resources in the American Southwest, including development of projects on public lands. The Solar PEIS will set the rules of the game for project development over the next 20 years and it is critical that we get it right.

“While we are still reviewing all of the details in this proposal, there are some significant areas of concern regarding the viability of a solar-energy zone approach. Siting flexibility and access to transmission are key to the financing and development of utility-scale solar power plants. Both aspects must be reflected in the final PEIS.

“Going forward, I am optimistic that a balanced approach can be found. The BLM has done a commendable job permitting solar power projects over the last two years. We look forward to engaging with BLM and other stakeholders in this process to continue that momentum and ensure the industry’s perspective is heard.”

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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 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.