While touring a solar power generating station that will provide power to tens of thousands of Arizona homes, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said Wednesday that America’s embrace of renewable energy will create jobs and boost the economy.

Nearly a decade ago, Arizona lawmakers intent on weaning the state off fossil fuels approved a measure designed to reduce the cost to businesses to develop renewable energy in the state. The decision was the first in what would become a long line of mandates that now comprise the state’s “green” energy policy.

Arizona Public Service Co. announced the construction of a solar plant last week that is expected to surpass the capacity of the planned Solana Generating Station and to help the company meet state-imposed renewable-energy requirements.