Clean Energy Industry Unites Against Retroactive Solar Tariff Threat

Strategic Insights -

The American Clean Power Association (ACP), the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), and the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), among others, have issued a joint letter calling on members of Congress to oppose H.J. Res. 39/S. J. Res. 15, a resolution that uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to impose retroactive solar tariffs and undercut clean energy progress across the country. The resolution, if passed, would result in widespread project cancellations, delays, and a loss of $4.2 billion in private clean energy investments. The industry is urging lawmakers to oppose this resolution as it would harm the market and dampen demand for American products.

Key Takeaways:

  • A joint letter from ACP, SEIA, and ACORE has been sent to members of Congress, opposing H.J. Res. 39/S. J. Res. 15, which would impose retroactive solar tariffs and undercut clean energy progress.
  • The resolution, if passed, would result in the cancellation of 4 gigawatts of planned solar projects, representing 14% of the solar industry's anticipated deployment in 2023, and a loss of $4.2 billion in private clean energy investments.
  • The industry is urging lawmakers to oppose this resolution as it would harm the market and dampen demand for American products.
  • The imposition of retroactive solar tariffs would eliminate 30,000 jobs in the solar industry, including 4,000 manufacturing jobs.
  • New manufacturing investments announced since the passage of the IRA will bring America's solar module manufacturing capacity to more than 47 gigawatts, five times more than the United States could produce in 2022.
  • The temporary two-year pause in tariffs has allowed continued access to imported components while domestic manufacturing ramps up, but reversing this course would stall solar deployment and endanger 30,000 American jobs.

Statistics:

  • 14% of the solar industry's anticipated deployment in 2023 would be cancelled if H.J. Res. 39/S. J. Res. 15 is passed.
  • $4.2 billion in private clean energy investments would be lost if H.J. Res. 39/S. J. Res. 15 is passed.
  • 30,000 jobs in the solar industry, including 4,000 manufacturing jobs, would be eliminated if H.J. Res. 39/S. J. Res. 15 is passed.
  • 24 million metric tons of CO2 emissions would increase if H.J. Res. 39/S. J. Res. 15 is passed.

Sources:

  • The American Clean Power Association (ACP)
  • The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
  • The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE)
  • Advanced Energy United
  • Coalition for Community Solar Access
  • E2
  • Edison Electric Institute
  • Clean Energy Buyers Association
  • Silicon Valley Leadership Group