Resolve to take action says Rhone Resch: install solar energy, signing Solar Bill of Rights and extending Treasury Grant Program are three ways to make a difference now

WASHINGTON, DC - Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) President and CEO Rhone Resch today released the following statement in honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day:

"Unlike other days we celebrate with presents, candy or cards, Earth Day is a day we should celebrate with action. And for years, the solar industry has been acting. We are an industry built on a dedication to address the most pressing concern of our day - protecting the environment by reducing harmful pollution while creating a clean energy economy.

"Today we need to take action to accelerate the deployment of solar. If you are a homeowner or business owner, consider putting solar on your property or buying clean energy through your utility. And if you are a policymaker, consider incentives, like extending the federal Treasury Grant Program, that are working to stimulate more investment in solar.

"At the U.N. climate change conference in Copenhagen in December, the global solar industry gathered to say to the world, ‘we can do more and we can do it sooner' to fight the pollution that causes global warming.

"But what kind of action can we take today, on Earth Day, to make a real difference? First, take action by learning how you can install solar on your home or business. Or, join us in supporting Buy Clean Energy 2010, a year-long campaign centered on the 40th anniversary of Earth Day that encourages people to promote the development of clean energy by switching to clean energy. Go to www.buycleanenergy.org and in three simple steps, you can make the switch and make a difference.

"Second, take action by urging your members of Congress to extend the Treasury Grant Program. This job-creating program is playing a big role in growing the pipeline of utility-scale solar power projects. Simply call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your representative's office.

"Finally, take action and join me and nearly 2,000 others who have signed the Solar Bill of Rights. This grassroots movement is working to level the playing field with the antiquated fossil fuel industries that have been receiving millions in federal subsidies for decades and contributing to global warming. We know that 92 percent of Americans support greater use of solar energy. Go to www.SolarBillofRights.org and take just a minute of your day to show policymakers that we want to turn that support into action.

"In about the time it takes to write a check and mail your utility-bill, you can do these three things and make a real difference on Earth Day."

Background Materials
Solar Bill of Rights - http://www.SolarBillofRights.org

2009 U.S. Solar Industry Year in Review: http://seia.org/galleries/default-file/2009%20Solar%20Industry%20Year%20in%20Review.pdf

Year in Review Supplemental Slides: http://seia.org/galleries/pdf/2009%20Year%20in%20Review%20Teleconference%20Slides.pdf

Kelton Poll - 92 percent of Americans say it's important to develop and use more solar: http://seia.org/cs/news_detail?pressrelease.id=638

Seizing the Solar Solution: Combating Climate Through Accelerated Deployment: http://www.solarcop15.org/uploads/SEIA%20EPIA%20COP15%20Report_LR.pdf

SEIA's 2010 Policy Priorities - http://seia.org/galleries/FactSheets/Factsheet_SEIA%202010%20priorities.pdf

Utility-Scale Project Pipeline - http://seia.org/galleries/pdf/Major%20Solar%20Projects.pdf

About SEIA:
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the solar energy industry. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 members 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. Learn more at www.seia.org.