President Obama Announces More Good News for Solar Energy
Media Contacts
Environment America
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – Today President Obama announced commitments from more than 300 private and public sector organizations and institutions to harness the power of the sun. These commitments will add 850 megawatts of solar energy and expand energy efficiency in America’s homes and businesses.
“President Obama’s announcement is great news,” said Rob Sargent, energy program director with Environment America. “It recognizes that the sky is the limit on solar energy. The progress we’ve made should give us the confidence we need to take it to the next level. Being a leader in pollution-free solar energy means setting big goals and backing them up with good policies. And that’s what we’ve seen today.”
The commitments highlighted by the president today will likely make a huge difference in building momentum for solar nationwide. In addition, the president announced a number of executive actions to advance solar power and energy efficiency, including strengthening building codes, providing innovative solar and energy efficiency financing, and training an expanding solar workforce.
Solar power in the U.S. has increased 10-fold since 2008, thanks to a strong commitment from the Obama administration and leadership from local governments across the country. Last year, a home or workplace went solar every four minutes.
“Solar is growing much faster than many would have imagined, thanks in great part to local officials who have recognized the environmental and economic benefits,” said Sargent. “Because it is pollution-free and limitless, we should be shooting for the moon in tapping energy from the sun. And today’s announcement makes it clear that we’re well on our way.
“This announcement, and the National Climate Assessment released on Tuesday, has set the stage for the Environmental Protection Agency to announce its proposed limits on carbon pollution from existing power plants in early June.”
