Heinrich, Tillis Statement On U.S. International Trade Commission’s Ruling That Will Harm Solar Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) issued the following joint statement in response to the U.S. International Trade Commission’s (ITC) decision ruling that imported solar panels are causing "serious injury" to U.S. manufacturers in Section 201 global safeguard case regarding solar cell and module manufacturing in the United States.

“We are deeply disappointed with the ITC’s decision that will negatively impact thousands of solar workers in our states and the hundreds of companies that employ them. Imposing the proposed trade tariffs would double the price of solar panels. Increased costs will significantly slow solar growth, threatening American workers in the solar industry and jeopardizing billions of dollars in investment in communities across the country.

“As the ITC next considers what level of import tariff or other remedy to propose to President Trump, we will continue to fight to protect the booming solar industry and the thousands of jobs it generates.”

In August, Senators Heinrich and Tillis, along with a bipartisan group of senators, sent aletter urging the U.S. International Trade Commission to not impose tariffs that would negatively affect the American solar industry.