Abby Ross Hopper will retire as the top US solar lobbyist in 2019.
The organization announced in a Tuesday statement that the longtime leader of the U.S. top solar industry trade group would step down at the end of next year.
Abigail Ross Hopper, the president and CEO at Solar Energy Industries Association will be leaving her position on January 30, 2019. SEIA is currently searching for her replacement.
Hopper's resignation after nine years in the top position of the U.S. Solar Industry's lobbyist coincides with the Trump Administration's efforts to limit the growth of solar energy and other renewable forms of energy.
Hopper wrote in an open message to the industry on SEIA website, "This has been a challenging year for our industry. But I remain optimistic about our prospects." SEIA has never been stronger, thanks to an exceptional team and a board that is deeply engaged. "Our industry has the talent and technology to complete the task we set for ourselves, providing clean, affordable, reliable, energy that is the foundation of America’s economic future."
Since Trump's election, SEIA has tried to portray solar power as a jobs generator that can help meet the soaring demand for electricity, while downplaying its contribution in combating climate change.
SEIA reported that during Hopper's tenure the U.S. Solar industry saw an increase in investment to $70 billion annually from $16 in 2017. Solar energy accounts for the majority of new electricity added to the U.S. Grid.
Hopper also faced challenges, such as tariffs that were imposed to reduce the industry’s reliance upon cheap panels made abroad, concerns over forced labor within the solar supply chain, and changes to the residential solar incentives which have slowed the market. (Reporting from Nichola Groom).
(source: Reuters)
