Landmark North American Climate Pledge to Spur Rapid Solar Growth, Job Creation
Following is a comment by Tom Kimbis, acting president of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on the agreement by the United States, Mexico and Canada to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by relying on clean energy sources for 50 percent of electricity generation by 2025:
"We applaud this historical and attainable set of clean energy commitments. Together they represent a significant growth opportunity for solar energy across the continent. SEIA's members stand ready to deliver on the promise this clean and affordable energy resource offers to improve the economy, the environment and the energy security of all three nations.
"Of particular note is the commitment to 5,000 megawatts of cross border transmission lines, which will open the door to more inexpensive utility scale solar projects. In addition, the General Services Administration's 100 percent clean energy commitment means that solar will be increasingly deployed across all 50 states to power our federal infrastructure. These commitments can only be accomplished because the cost of solar has dropped 70 percent in the last eight years, bringing cost savings and cleaner air and water to all North Americans.
"The solar industry accounts for 209,000 U.S. jobs today, and that number is expected to double in the next five years. Our member companies are eager to act on this pledge and bring thousands of jobs to communities across America. The administration's goal of reaching 1 million clean energy jobs is well within reach and we look forward to supporting all three countries as they pursue this noble and achievable commitment."
