WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following is a statement by Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), on the reports that there will be no meaningful climate policy through budget reconciliation:

“The news that significant climate policy will not be part of a budget reconciliation bill is crushing to so many people, particularly in light of the devastating effects of climate change and inflation now adversely affecting every American.”

“As of today, we hold out hope, however slim, that members of Congress will see the urgency of this moment and do what needs to be done to pass meaningful climate and clean energy legislation this year.

“This apparent defeat is a serious blow to the American workers, to American manufacturers, to national security and to the potentially massive clean energy economy. Clean energy policy also fights inflation. Recent testimony by the Rhodium Group revealed that the clean energy tax credit package and other clean energy investments in the reconciliation package can serve as a strong foundation for cutting energy costs.

“Without sustained policy, meeting solar and storage goals of building a 1-million-person workforce, growing an industry that will invest hundreds of billions of dollars in our economy and providing clean energy for all Americans becomes even more challenging.

“We know from polling that solar energy and clean energy are not partisan issues. Many of the clean energy policies in the reconciliation package have had Republican support. 

“While we are deeply disappointed, we ask that members of Congress stay at the table for as long as it takes, by whatever political machinations necessary, to get clean energy policy over the finish line. 

“The stakes for all American communities are just too high for us to give up this fight and we will aggressively pursue solutions, wherever they may be and for as long as it takes.”