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SOLAR TODAY Blog

Daily dose of solar news and Q&As


By Becky Campbell-Howe
ASES Director of Professional Education

For those of you planning to attend the National Solar Conference in Phoenix, AZ from May 17-22, we are aware of the concerns about Arizona's new immigration law. At this point we are just a few weeks from the SOLAR 2010 and it is not feasible for us to cancel the venue and move to a different city or state. We are contractually liable for hundreds of thousands of dollars, both to the venues with whom we have contracts and to hundreds of sponsors, exhibitors and already registered attendees.

We feel our mission of getting the US to a sustainable energy future is one that needs to continue. So, faced with very hard choices, we have chosen to continue to fulfill our organization's mission and hold SOLAR 2010 in Phoenix.

As we evaluate conference sites in the future, we will continue to assess the venues based on our stated policies of non-discrimination and sustainable environmental practices.

At this time we are anticipating a very successful and well-attended conference. As of today our registration numbers are 22% higher than at the same point in time for the 2009 Conference. We have 27% more exhibitors this year, and are presenting an exciting and very comprehensive program.

Of course we respect the fact that the decision to come to Arizona is a personal one, but we hope that you decide to attend SOLAR 2010 and help us attain our mission of speeding the U.S. toward a sustainable energy future - and thank you for your support.

We will be posting answers to questions as we receive them. We have also collected some information that might help to clarify the situation and the issues.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How will the law affect me if I attend SOLAR 2010?
The law will not affect SOLAR 2010 attendess at all. The law goes into effect 90 days after adjournment of the current Arizona legislative session. The exact date of adjournment is unknown at this time, but the legislture is still in session, so the law cannot go into effect any earlier than late in July.

What paperwork do I need to have with me while I'm in Arizona?
The law will not be in effect at the time of the conference (see question above), but if you are concerned, make sure you have your driver's license, and if you are not a U.S. Citizen, your passport with valid visa or permanent resident ("green") card.

Links to More Information

Text of SB1070>

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon's response to the legislation
Mayor Gordon is speaking out publically against the new law. He is discussing initiating a lawsuit against the state of Arizona on the grounds that the law is unconstitutional. Please see Mayor Gordon's editorial regarding the recent legislation in the Washington Post (Sat. April 24, 2010).

Newspaper article about the law appearing in the Arizona Republic the day the law was signed >
This article talks about the issues in Arizona that led to passage of the law, as well as the some of the response in Arizona.

If you would like to respond directly to those responsible for the legislation, contact:

Arizona State Senator Russell Pearce
http://www.russellpearce.com/
And click on the "contact" tab

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio
(602) 876-1801
J_Arpaio@mcso.maricopa.gov This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer
http://azgovernor.gov/Contact.asp
Telephone (602) 542-4331
Toll Free 1-(800) 253-0883



Comments (3)

Arizona Has A Perfect Right To Enforce The Law
0
Why would you even want to consider changing the place of the conference. Arizona is doing exactly what it should be doing,which is enforcing federal law which is already on the books. Our laws should be enforced or changed. We cannot have some laws enforced and others not enforced.

Only Sheeple and Useful Idiots object to Arizona's SB1070. I hope that you are not one of the useful idiots.
JFK , May 07, 2010
When our government refuses to protect its people from invaders then the people must protect themselves
0
I should hope that the people of Arizona would be praised for trying to make their state safer and more secure. I'm glad you are going there and I hope you get lots of business and spend money there also. We should buycott NOT boycott.
Milly Rich , May 17, 2010
Renewable Energy Investors Support Arizona....and so should ASES
0

The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) should adhere to its mission and focus on the advancement of solar technology and the development of an economically viable solar energy industry.

ASES was not faced with a 'hard choice'. The choice is clear, Support Arizona!

If the ASES were to take an official position regarding the Arizona Immigration Law, it should publicly and wholeheartedly support Arizona's leadership position on national and economic security. Furthermore, as a demonstrative action of support, ASES should commit to Arizona to host SOLAR 2011, SOLAR 2012.....

There is 'resounding support' for the Great State of Arizona from Corporate America and the Investors that are driving the emerging Renewable Energy industry and a Sustainable Energy Future.

For the FACTS, please refer to:
Border Security Enhancement Program
Read The Law
__
GEO|Capital™ - Phoenix Protocol™ -
Environment & Energy
Strategic Capital Placement
_


Gregory O'Reilly , May 23, 2010

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