TUCSON — Tucson-based solar company Solar Gain and Clean Energy for America held a press conference at a local solar installation yesterday to call on Arizona members of Congress to safeguard vital energy tax incentives that have created jobs, lowered electricity bills, and driven economic growth across Arizona. 

As Congress considers a major tax and budget package that could repeal popular energy tax incentives, a group of advocates called on Congressional leaders like Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06)  to preserve the transformative energy tax credits driving Arizona’s clean energy economy: over $19 billion in investments, more than 60,000 clean energy jobs, and $6.2 billion in projected household savings by 2050. Arizona Rep. Ciscomani has publicly supported protecting these investments that have directly benefited families, workers, and businesses across his district. Ciscomani was among 21 House Republicans who recently advocated for preserving clean energy tax credits.

Here’s what the speakers had to say:

“We were founded right here in Arizona, and we’ve grown alongside the clean energy economy, thanks in large part to energy tax incentives that have made it possible for companies like ours to build, hire, and expand,” said Robert Neifert, Director of Business Development with Tucson-based Solar Gain. “Now these investments are on track to save Arizona households more than $6 billion in utility bills by the year 2050. That’s real money staying with families and in communities.”

“These panels were installed with the help of energy tax incentives. They provide clean energy for our buildings and shade for our clients, staff, and families. But more than that, they help us save on electricity—and as a nonprofit, every dollar we save goes back into serving the people who depend on us,” said Rhonda Murray, Chief Operating Officer of United Cerebral Palsy of Southern Arizona. “We’re here today because these credits work. They work for the environment. They work for business. And they work for community-based nonprofits like ours. I want to thank Congressman Ciscomani for supporting clean energy tax credits. He’s spoken up in defense of these investments before, and Southern Arizona’s economy is growing in part because of his advocacy for these investments.”

“I didn’t always think I’d be in solar. But a few years ago, I saw how fast the industry was growing here in Arizona. I saw a path — not just to a job, but to a future,” said Salvador Andrade, a Residential Sales Consultant with Solar Gain. “[P]eople like me get to build a career. I’ve gotten training, support, and the chance to grow professionally in an industry that’s building something bigger than just a product. We’re building energy independence. We’re building equity. And we’re building opportunity — one rooftop at a time.”

“The collaboration between Solar Gain and UCP is a prime example of impactful projects that contribute to America’s clean energy landscape. By investing in clean energy technologies, we not only cut energy costs but also power organizations like UCP – where they focus on their vital mission of caring for individuals with disabilities and the elderly,” said Alyssa Cortes, Communications Director, Clean Energy for America. “It’s important to recognize that energy tax incentives transcend partisan lines. They benefit constituents in both Republican and Democratic districts, and a strong coalition of bipartisan support highlights a unified understanding of their significance. Preserving these credits is essential for sustaining American energy dominance and reducing consumer electric bills.”

Energy tax incentives are not a partisan issue—they have benefitted both Democratic and Republican districts. A growing coalition of Republican Members of Congress publicly signed defended these clean energy tax credits from repeal, underscoring that preserving these tax credits are essential for maintaining American energy dominance while lowering consumer electric bills.

The event was held at United Cerebral Palsy of Southern Arizona offices (630 N Craycroft Rd, Tucson, AZ 85711), where UCP has blocks of solar panels over their parking lot installed by Solar Gain, providing shade and producing energy from our sunny climate.