Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) President and CEO Rhone Resch today offered the following statement on President Barack Obama's meeting with clean energy entrepreneurs and leaders of the research community to discuss investments in clean energy and new technology in his budget proposal:

"Today's meeting is another clear sign from President Obama that clean energy and green jobs will play a vital role in our nation's economic future. The solar energy industry stands ready to lead the new clean energy economy, but we need the right policies from Washington to do that. Among those policies are immediate implementation of the loan guarantee and grant programs by the Departments of Energy and Treasury, with many solar industry projects on hold until these rules are finalized. We are also urging Congress to pass a national renewable portfolio standard with a specific provision designed to tap our nation's rich solar resources.