Solar Energy Industries Association applauds NARUC resolution on solar trade case

Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) President and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper recently issued a statement commending the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) resolution on a recent solar industry trade case.

The resolution urges the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to consider the harm that proposed trade remedies could cause to American consumers by raising the price of solar and the challenges it could present to meeting state renewable energy and greenhouse gas goals.

NARUC is referencing a trade case brought under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974 by Suniva, Inc. and SolarWorld Americas, seeking tariffs and quotas on imported solar cells and modules as well as a price floor on solar modules.

“Today, solar is a force in America’s economy, employing 260,000 Americans and generating some of the least expensive electricity in the nation,” Hopper said. “This impressive economic growth should not be derailed. We hope the USTR takes these concerns into consideration as the solution here needs to be a constructive one that advances our nation’s economy, not contracts it.”

The USTR has requested comments on potential actions by November 20 and responses to those comments by Nov. 29.

“We commend the NARUC Commissioners for strongly speaking up for their constituents – American energy consumers,” Hopper said.