As budget negotiations continue today, Sean Gallagher, the Solar Energy Industries Associations vice president of state affairs, offered the following statement:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the national solar energy association commended Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton for protecting consumers and a quickly growing solar industry in the state. The measure (SF 1937) would have removed solar customers ability to have unfair fees reviewed by independent experts at the Public Utilities Commission.

As budget negotiations continue today, Sean Gallagher, the Solar Energy Industries Associations vice president of state affairs, offered the following statement:

"We applaud Governor Dayton for vetoing this bill that would have removed critical consumer protection measures for Minnesota residents and eliminated the Made in Minnesota solar manufacturing program. Solar energy is a rapidly-growing industry in Minnesota thats creating local jobs, strengthening the economy, and providing clean, affordable energy.

Fortunately, the Governor has continually recognized the value that solar offers to the state. We urge Gov. Dayton to veto any bill that includes these anti-consumer measures. Nows the time to continue the states impressive solar growth, not hold it back."

The budget debates come as solar has grown 80 percent in the state in the first quarter of 2017, according to reports, after skyrocketing last year. Nearly 340 megawatts (MW) of the current 440 MW installed in the state were added in 2016. Meanwhile, solar jobs grew 44 percent year over year.

About SEIA®:

Celebrating its 43rd anniversary in 2017, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry, which now employs more than 260,000 Americans. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to build jobs and diversity, champion the use of cost-competitive solar in America, remove market barriers and educate the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.