Groundbreaking Ceremony Mesquite Solar Plant (Sempra)

Good morning and welcome!

It's a pleasure to be with you today to celebrate another achievement in Arizona's competitive position in the global solar market.

In order to advance Arizona, we must attract industries of the future.

That's why I signed the Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit into law.

The tax credit is bringing renewable energy companies to Arizona -- and the grand opening of Mesquite Solar proves that legislation is paying off.

When completed, this project will be the LARGEST PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR FIELD -- not only in the United States, but in the ENTIRE WESTERN HEMISPHERE -- and, ladies and gentlemen -- it's located RIGHT HERE IN ARIZONA!

The Mesquite Solar Complex has incredible potential.

At full build-out, the site could grow to 700 megawatts -- becoming one of North America's largest photovoltaic solar generation plants.

Don Cardon -- I thank you -- and Arizona thanks you.

You flew to California and knocked on the door of Sempra Generation.

With your leadership, the team at the Arizona Commerce Authority was able to bring this amazing solar facility to the state -- putting dollars into our economy and providing great job opportunities for our hard working citizens.

This "game-on" attitude of the ACA is focused on securing quality jobs -- jobs that put people back to work -- jobs that make this state more competitive in the global economy -- jobs that are vital to the Arizona Comeback.

Using the tools provided in the Arizona Competitiveness Package, the ACA is positioning Arizona as the best place to do business. And, the entire world is taking notice.

In fact, Arizona continues its rise as a national and global leader in the solar industry.

Our state was recently ranked third in the country in terms of its number of solar JOBS by The Solar Foundation's National Solar Jobs Census 2011.

Arizona climbed FIVE spots in the national rankings -- from EIGHTH to THIRD between 2010 and this latest report.

Sempra chose Arizona for a lot of reasons. Besides being a fabulous place to live and work, Arizona receives enough daily sunshine to power the entire United States.

It's a strategic location with a highly skilled workforce, low payroll taxes, and the right programs that make business sense.

Jeff Martin -- Sempra Generation is going to enjoy a promising future here -- and I look forward to your growth in Arizona. Thank you.

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