Solar Industry Names Downing Legislator of 2013
 Sen. Benjamin Downing receives the SEIA Legislator of the Year Award from Dan Berwick, director of policy and dusiness development at Borrego Solar. |
BOSTON — State Sen. Benjamin B. Downing has been named 2013 Legislator of the Year by the Solar Energy Industries Association.
The presentation was made June 12 at the State House during the first-ever "Solar Day on the Hill," which Downing hosted.
"SEIA is proud to recognize Senator Downing for his leadership in renewable energy policy in Massachusetts, and in particular, for his steadfast support of solar projects," said Carrie Cullen Hitt, senior vice president of state affairs for SEIA. "Over the past few years, Senator Downing's thoughtful approach has resulted in creating a sustainable renewable energy market, resulting in investment and jobs, as well as reduced risks and long term costs for Massachusetts' ratepayers."
The Pittsfield Democrat is Senate chairman of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy.
Solar Day brought members of the solar community, including local companies involved in research, manufacturing, financing and the construction of solar projects in Massachusetts, to Beacon Hill to encourage their legislators to support this emerging green industry.
"I am honored to be recognized for my work to advance clean energy, especially solar," said Downing. "Thanks to the steps we've taken in Massachusetts over the past six years, solar energy installations have increased dramatically. Projects are sprouting up all across my district and across this state. These ventures are putting people to work, reducing our impact on the environment and increasing our energy independence — all at lower and lower costs.
"We have more work to do, but I am proud to have played a part in the progress we've made so far."
According to SEIA, there are more than 235 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in Massachusetts, employing 4,500 workers. The amount of solar energy currently installed in Massachusetts is able to power 32,000 homes, and ranks the commonwealth No. 7 in the country in cumulative installed solar capacity.
Last year, $476 million was invested throughout Massachusetts to install solar on homes and businesses, representing a 210 percent increase over 2011. This investment is predicted to grow again this year.
On May 2, Downing joined Gov. Deval Patrick to celebrate a solar energy milestone in Massachusetts. During that event the governor announced that 250 megawatts of power from solar energy was being generated in the commonwealth, meeting his 10-year goal for solar power four years early. Additionally, Patrick called for an ambitious new solar energy goal in Massachusetts: 1.6 gigawatts (1,600 megawatts) installed by 2020.
Downing said he enthusiastically supports this new benchmark.
Downing's joint committee co-chairman, state Rep. John D. Keenan, D-Salem, was also honored by SEIA during the event.
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