October 30, 2006

Hayworth Named 2006 Solar Power Champion

Solar Energy Industries Association recognizes Hayworth for pro-solar legislation

(Scottsdale, AZ) In recognition for his commitment to exploring alternate sources of energy, Congressman J.D. Hayworth was recently honored by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) as a Solar Energy Champion for 2006. The honor, awarded to only two people nationwide, was presented to Rep. Hayworth in recognition of his efforts to make solar power more affordable and accessible to the American public.

"I would like to thank the Solar Energies Industry Association for selecting me as the Federal Solar Champion for 2006," said Rep. Hayworth. "Solar energy is renewable, clean, and a multi-billion dollar industry. You do not have to drill or dig for it; you manufacture it, which means lots of new, high-paying jobs right here in the United States. Just in Arizona, the number of solar industry firms has increased by 20 percent, and the market for solar photovoltaics in Arizona has grown at approximately 75 percent over the last two years. So solar energy not only benefits the environment, but it also makes good business sense."

In April, Hayworth and Rep Michael McNulty (D-NY) introduced the Securing America's Energy Independence Act, designed to encourage investment in these growing industries by extending critical federal solar and fuel cell tax credits, which are set to expire in 2007, until 2015. The legislation already has 75 co-sponsors in the House and continues to gain supporters from different areas of the country.

"The Securing America's Energy Independence Act not only makes sense for the Valley of the Sun, but also for our country as we make our way towards energy independence. It's pretty clear that we are 'addicted to oil.' We should not allow our way of life be held hostage by the likes of Hugo Chavez, Iranian mullahs, or Saudi princes. We need energy independence and we need it now."

Arizona already has about 100 firms working in the solar power industry, growing 20% since 2003. This cutting-edge technology is expected to create 3,000 new high-paying jobs and bring in an estimated $1.6 billion of new investment to the state.