The Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) recently announced that Sean Gallagher, a solar regulatory and government affairs professional from Berkeley, California, has been named its new vice president for state affairs. Gallagher brings broad expertise in solar project development, transmission and interconnection issues, state and federal energy policy matters, advocacy strategy and implementation, and high-level conflict resolution.

“We are happy to welcome Sean to the SEIA family,” said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of SEIA. “I have no doubt that Sean will be a great addition to our state team, supporting the smart public policies such as net energy metering and renewable portfolio standards that have enabled solar to experience tremendous growth.”

Gallagher was the director of the California Public Utilities Commission’s Energy Division for nearly four years, including the period during which the California Solar Initiative was developed. He has a wide range of expertise in the solar industry and government sector, having worked with legislatures and agencies in California, Nevada, and Arizona, as well as with the Congress and various federal agencies. In those roles, he has supported the development of specific utility-scale solar development projects and worked on development and implementation of the Section 1603 Treasury Grant Program, the Department of Energy’s loan guarantee program, state RPSs, state tax incentive and rebate programs in California and Nevada, energy storage policy and rate design.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to help foster solar’s continued growth nationwide – from residential to commercial to large-scale utility projects,” Gallagher stated. “In particular, as states look for ways to meet new requirements under the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, solar energy can play a pivotal role. We look forward to discussing the benefits of solar with governors, legislators and state regulators.”