WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following is a statement from Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA):

“Any debt limit proposal that includes cuts to clean energy investments should be dead on arrival. The U.S. solar and storage industry is a powerful economic engine that is woven into the fabric of this country. This industry supports the livelihoods of 255,000 families, and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is sparking enormous growth in clean energy jobs and manufacturing across the country, particularly in rural areas. 

“Targeting clean energy will weaken American energy independence and unravel decades of American innovation and economic growth. In the solar industry alone, the IRA is expected to create an additional 200,000 jobs and lead to over $600 billion in private investment over the next decade. The IRA invests in domestic manufacturing and these investments are already working, leading to over 47 gigawatts in solar module manufacturing announcements, with more expected. Once built, these factories will revitalize long dormant industrial communities, create jobs and strengthen our national security. Across the country, people are counting on clean energy investments in the IRA to create jobs and revive their communities after decades of neglect.

“Clean energy investments are popular in red and blue states alike. On a bipartisan basis, Americans want jobs, domestic manufacturing and energy security, and this legislation will stop that progress in its tracks. Congress must reject this harmful proposal.”