Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), today released the following statement on New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson's executive order aimed at making New Mexico the center of the North American solar industry and a leader in renewable energy export. "We applaud Governor Richardson's recognition that New Mexico has the abundant solar resources to become a net exporter of solar energy and the center of the North American solar industry. These are steps that all 50 states can take and we encourage them to follow Governor Richardson's lead by harnessing their rich solar resources and creating tens of thousands of jobs in the process. New Mexico, with a business friendly environment and world-class solar resources, is quickly becoming an important hub in the Southwest for solar manufacturing, installation and project development with companies such as SCHOTT Solar, eSolar, First Solar and others helping to deploy solar and fuel the local economy. Despite the recession, New Mexico's solar industry truly represents an economic bright spot and Governor Richardson should be commended for helping to stimulate this growth. "Governor Richardson's leadership has helped steer New Mexico toward a strong economic future based on solar energy. With today's announcement, New Mexico can lead the nation toward a bright and secure energy future."

Source: SEIA