"Today, solar energy continues to be one of the most dynamic, fastest-growing industries in America – and Sen. Reid is one of the big reasons why"

WASHINGTON, DC - Praising his "leadership, legacy and commitment to clean energy," retiring Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid will be remembered, among other things, for helping to foster the rapid growth of solar energy in America, according to Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Sen. Reid, who has served in Congress since 1983, announced today that he will not seek reelection in 2016.

"Today, solar energy continues to be one of the most dynamic, fastest-growing industries in America – and Sen. Reid is one of the big reasons why," said Resch. "Through his determination, vision and leadership, Sen. Reid made developing clean, renewable energy a top priority for our nation. Over the years, he strongly supported effective public policies, such as the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which are helping to drive solar energy's remarkable growth. Our industry now employs 174,000 Americans nationwide – more than tech giants Apple, Google, Facebook and Twitter combined – and pumps nearly $18 billion a year into our economy. What's more, from an environmental standpoint, solar energy helped to offset more than 20 million metric tons of harmful carbon emissions in 2014, which is the equivalent of removing 4 million cars off our roads and highways. Sen. Reid's leadership and friendship will be greatly missed, but his legacy as a champion of the environment will live on forever."