Congratulations to Gina McCarthy and Ernest Moniz on their respective nominations to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

WASHINGTON, DC – Statement from Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, on the White House nominations for Environmental Protection Agency Administrator and Secretary of Energy:

"Congratulations to Gina McCarthy and Ernest Moniz on their respective nominations to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

"As the assistant administrator for the EPA Office of Air and Radiation and throughout her work in Massachusetts and Connecticut, Gina McCarthy has shown that she understands the importance of renewable energy to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep our air clean for future generations. Solar energy improves our nation's air quality while also growing our economy. During Lisa Jackson's tenure, the EPA has proven that these two ideals are not mutually exclusive, and the solar industry will continue to support the EPA in developing our clean energy future.

"The DOE has been a critically important partner in the solar industry's efforts to make solar technology more affordable and help break down barriers to solar deployment across the nation to establish America as a leader in clean energy. Dr. Moniz's prior leadership at DOE and M.I.T. will be instrumental in promoting the innovation across the solar value chain to develop a strong clean energy economy.

"Under the Obama Administration, the amount of solar powering homes, businesses, and military bases has grown by nearly 500 percent – from 1,100 megawatts in 2008 to more than 6,400 megawatts today. Today, the solar industry employs more than 119,000 Americans at 5,600 companies, mostly small businesses, across all 50 states – this is more than double the number of Americans working in solar in 2009. The U.S. now has enough installed solar capacity to power a million households and the solar industry is on track to set another record year in 2013 as costs continue to fall.

"SEIA looks forward to working with the EPA and DOE to work towards the Obama Administration's goals to achieve energy independence, create clean energy jobs, fight climate change and ignite economic growth."

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® is building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies 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. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.