WASHINGTON, DC - Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), released the following statement today on the progress of the Obama Administration, and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar in particular, in developing utility-scale solar energy projects on public lands this year:

"Through the efforts of Secretary Salazar and the BLM staff, the Obama Administration has made great strides this year, permitting six utility-scale solar power plants or related transmission lines on public lands. We look forward to building on this momentum in 2012 as projects are completed and begin delivering clean electricity across the Southwest.

"In the year ahead, SEIA will continue to offer the industry's perspective on the Department of the Interior's standards for developing utility-scale solar projects on public lands in a way that is efficient, responsible, transparent, and advances the industry's goal of installing 10 gigawatts of new solar capacity annually by 2015."

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About SEIA:
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA and its 1,100 member companies are building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy.