WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following is a statement from Sean Gallagher, vice president of state affairs for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), following this evening’s remarks by Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker in his 2016 State of the Commonwealth address: 

“Massachusetts has been one of the top solar energy markets in the U.S. for the last decade. That leadership has brought over 12,000 solar jobs and more than a billion dollars of private investment in clean energy to the Commonwealth. The state has a unique opportunity to build on that success, but recent policy inaction has led to an uncertain business environment, and solar projects have stalled in hundreds of towns.  

"We urge policymakers to raise the caps on consumer sales of electricity back to the grid. This must be achieved through quick legislative action to maintain investment and jobs. 

“The legislature’s own task force found that every $1 invested in solar brings $2 in benefits to the Commonwealth. While we have and will continue to engage with policymakers to make recommendations for how to reduce the cost of the state’s solar incentive program, the fact is that delaying action on the net metering caps is bad for business, bad for the environment, and bad for citizens across the Commonwealth. The legislature must act now to keep solar growing.”

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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, [email protected] (202) 556-2886