Renewable energy industry not included in $2T COVID-19 stimulus package
Despite twelfth hour pleas from the renewable energy industry, and figures indicating as many as half of solar jobs could falter from the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector was not among those to specifically benefit from the $2 trillion stimulus package advanced by the Senate this week.
“As a result of this pandemic, the solar industry stands to lose half of our jobs — that’s 125,000 families who will no longer receive a paycheck,” Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, said after a vote on the legislation. “Congress can help stem this tide. Economic stimulus legislation can help our companies sustain families and invest tens of billions of dollars into the economy over the next couple of years. We remain committed to helping our economy recover from this pandemic. We fully expect to work with Congress on any broad economic stimulus package. This will ensure that when this awful chapter in America’s history comes to an end, the clean energy economy is well-positioned to lead our nation’s economic recovery.”
Still, she noted that some elements of the existing legislation could help solar businesses and workers, including the long-term unemployment insurance, business loans, and provisions that support employee retention and other employee protections. The package — the largest rescue package produced in U.S. history — was approved unanimously, despite last-minute partisan holdups. The House intends to vote on it Friday. If passed, it will provide $1,200 one-time direct payments to individuals throughout the country, strengthen unemployment insurance, provide loans and grants to businesses, and issue more healthcare resources.
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) also commented on the legislation, simultaneously expressing disappointment over the lack of industry-specific relief as well as approval of the steps being taken to strengthen the economy and health measures.
“We will continue working with Congress and other renewable energy leaders to find solutions to the specific challenges COVID-19 is causing our members,” the AWEA said. “Relief provisions ensuring renewable projects can secure financing and meet safe harbor continuity schedules are critical to preserving a strong domestic clean energy sector. Making these adjustments to existing tax credits would provide the industry the flexibility needed to accommodate COVID-19 delays, without costing the Federal government any additional money. Taking these steps will protect thousands of American jobs and billions in economic investment, particularly in rural America, while preserving our country’s progress towards a strong economy and clean future. Without assistance, 35,000 American jobs, $43 billion of investment, and $8 billion in payments to local communities are at risk.”
The U.S. Department of Labor released Thursday the most recent unemployment figures, showing the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was nearly 3.3 million. This broke the previous record set in October 1982 when unemployment claims reached 695,000.
