Solar industry CEOs call on Biden administration to rescind Trump’s solar proclamation

The CEOs of 17 leading renewable energy companies are calling on President Joe Biden to rescind the Trump Administration’s October 2020 solar proclamation, which increased tariffs on solar panels and rescinded the exclusion for bifacial solar panels.

In a letter to Biden, the CEOs pointed out how the tariffs from the proclamation are harmful to the U.S. economy and efforts to combat climate change. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the tariffs have led to a loss of 62,000 jobs, $19 billion in lost private sector investment, and a 26 million metric ton increase in carbon emissions. The CEOs are asking Biden to return the tariffs to the status quo and restore business certainty.

“Billions of dollars’ worth of solar contracts are now at risk because of the October 10 proclamation,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the SEIA, which helped spearhead the initiative. “As we confront the numerous economic and climate challenges ahead, the President has the opportunity to build a clean energy economy with millions of well-paying jobs, strengthen our nation’s infrastructure, bolster domestic manufacturing, and uplift communities across America. Removing the tariffs are the first step to achieving this vision.”

The American Clean Power Association also supports the effort.

“Our country has an industrious and determined solar workforce, from installers and operators to engineers and innovators, and every single one of them will benefit from the repeal of the last Administration’s proclamation which injected uncertainty into the marketplace,” Heather Zichal, CEO of the American Clean Power Association, said. “Rolling back this proclamation will put Americans back to work, reviving manufacturing, and putting us on the pathway to an equitable recovery and a clean energy future.”

SEIA and ACPA will continue to work with the Biden administration, the next U.S. Trade Representative, and other organizations to create more opportunities for solar products.