Center for Biological Diversity

For Immediate Release, October 10, 2017

Contact: Howard Crystal, (202) 809-6926, hcrystal@biologicaldiversity.org

U.S. Trade Commission Urged to Reject Solar Tariffs, Protect America's Clean-energy Future

WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity submitted comments today to the U.S. International Trade Commission opposing proposed tariffs on imported solar panels.

In late September the commission sided with two U.S. solar manufacturers that claimed imported solar cells are making their products uncompetitive. The commission is now considering what remedies to recommend in the case, using information from the parties and public comments. Based on those recommendations, President Trump will make the final decision on what, if any, remedies to enforce.

“If Trump imposes tariffs on imported solar panels, he’ll sabotage American businesses and threaten our clean-energy future,” said Howard Crystal, a senior attorney with the Center. “Tariffs would make solar power significantly more expensive, putting it out of reach for many Americans and stifling our crucial transition to clean energy.”

The Center’s comments explain that import tariffs pose tremendous risk not only to the growth of the domestic solar industry, which employs more than twice as many Americans as the coal industry, but to national efforts to transition to a clean and just energy economy.

“The climate crisis is here, ripping apart communities and threatening wildlife with devastating storms, wildfires and floods,” said Crystal. “As America struggles to recover from these disasters, we should be tirelessly working to reduce our reliance on polluting energy sources that fuel climate change. If Trump really wants to put America first, he should promote solar power instead of appeasing the private interests of two companies.”

The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.5 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.

www.biologicaldiversity.org

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