WASHINGTON, DC - Calling it an issue of tax fairness, as well as a matter of importance to the U.S. economy, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) today offered its support to efforts by a broad coalition of fuel cell, microturbine and combined heat and power companies, as well as many leading business organizations, to include a “commence  construction” provision in Section 48 of the U.S. tax code to provide much-needed market certainty.

“Clean energy projects often require multi-year development timelines,” said SEIA President and CEO Rhone Resch.  “The commence construction provision provided for in the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) should apply to all Section 45 and Section 48 clean energy incentives – regardless of technology.  Compared to a rigid placed-in-service date, a commence construction standard provides added certainty and flexibility that will allow more clean energy projects across America to move forward, benefiting both our economy and the environment.  We strongly urge Congress to extend commence construction to all Section 48 technologies as part of any tax extenders bill taken up this year.”

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About SEIA:

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2014, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to champion the use of clean, affordable solar in America by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contacts:

Ken Johnson, SEIA Vice President of Communications, [email protected] (202) 556-2885

Samantha Page, SEIA Press Officer and Communications Manager, [email protected] (202) 556-2886