Energy associations oppose tariffs on China

The Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE), along with other industry organizations and business, voiced their opposition to proposed tariffs on about $300 billion worth of Chinese products.

In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, the industry groups said the tariffs would have a detrimental impact on clean energy industries.

“The existing tariffs are already hurting the energy efficiency, natural gas, and renewable energy sectors, which are the segments of the American economy that have experienced tremendous growth over the past decade. This latest round of proposed tariffs will further exacerbate the negative impacts being felt in these sectors,” BCSE President Lisa Jacobson, said.

Jacobson will testify on the proposed tariffs at the public hearing hosted by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative this week.

“Today, these clean energy sectors support over three million jobs in the United States. These industries are poised for significant growth in the years ahead, provided they have stable market conditions. The tariffs are an unnecessary obstacle to this positive growth trajectory,” Jacobson said. “While the Council appreciates the administration’s efforts to address China’s unfair trade practices, the exchange of escalating tariffs with China is not the appropriate remedy.

The letter was signed by Advanced Energy Economy; Alliance to Save Energy; American Gas Association; American Wind Energy Association; Business Council for Sustainable Energy; Clean Energy Business Network; Global Energy Institute, an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association; Philadelphia Solar Energy Association; and the U.S. Energy Storage Association.