ALBANY, NY, April 17, 2011
/24-7PressRelease/ -- New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA) praised the Assembly Energy Committee for passing the New York Solar Industry Development and Jobs Act of 2011 (A-5713) and advocated for Legislative approval of the bill that could create tens of thousands of new high-quality jobs and make New York a solar leader.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) and co-sponsored by Energy Committee Chair Assemblyman Kevin Cahill (D-Ulster, Dutchess), would develop a robust solar power market in New York State to drive local job and economic opportunity, and secure a leadership position in the growing global renewable energy industry. It is sponsored in the Senate (S-4178) by George Maziarz (R-C, Newfane).
"The Solar Jobs Act help to reverse the trend of New York falling behind neighboring states like New Jersey in solar development," said NYSEIA President Ron Kamen, chief development and public policy officer of EarthKind Solar in Kingston. "This legislation would provide an effective framework for long-term solar market growth and job creation in the state."
In its current form, the bill would:
* Develop 5,000 MW of solar photovoltaics (PV), which would provide enough
safe, reliable renewable electricity to power 500,000 average households.
* Create 22,000 new high quality jobs, from manufacturing and design to construction and operation.
* Generate a $20 Billion boost in wages and economic output that could be
reinvested in New York's economy.
* Deliver maximum solar benefits at minimum cost to New York electricity
consumers.
* Decrease the state's production of harmful emissions by reducing the need for
fossil fuel based electricity generation, especially at times of peak energy demand.
"Governor Cuomo and the Legislature have proven that they can work together to produce an on-time budget," said Kamen. "We're now looking for the same leadership and teamwork to build a thriving solar industry in the state. It's a 'win-win-win-win' scenario: high-quality jobs, a significant move toward energy independence, electric rate stability for consumers and a reduction in fossil fuel pollution."
NYSEIA has lobbied for the bills passage since last year's initial introduction. The bill now moves to the NYS Assembly Ways and Means committee.
About NYSEIA
The New York Solar Energy Industries Association, founded in 1994, is the only statewide non-profit membership and trade association dedicated solely to advancing solar energy use in New York State. For information, visit http://www.nyseia.org
Media Contacts:
Ron Kamen (917) 453-5740 ron.kamen@earthkindsolar.com
Sandy Frinton (845) 454-3895 NYSolarNews@gmail.com
Gail Markels (917) 364-4760 gail.markels@nyseia.org
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