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President Biden Executive Actions to Strengthen America’s Solar Industry
President Biden recently announced a series of executive actions aimed at bolstering and expanding America’s solar industry. These measures are part of the administration’s broader efforts to prioritize clean energy and combat unfair trade practices that threaten domestic manufacturing and job growth.
Removal of Bifacial Module Exclusion
The Biden administration is moving to eliminate the bifacial module exclusion under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974. This exclusion, implemented by the previous administration, has led to a surge in imports of bifacial solar panels, undermining the effectiveness of safeguard tariffs. By removing this exclusion, U.S. solar manufacturers will receive increased protection from unfair imports, helping to level the playing field and support domestic production.
Ending Solar Bridge and Cracking Down on Stockpiling
In addition, the temporary solar bridge initiated by President Biden to facilitate certain duty-free imports from Southeast Asian countries will come to an end in June 2024. Producers found to be circumventing antidumping and countervailing duties will be subject to enforcement measures. Customs and Border Protection will enforce requirements to prevent stockpiling of imported solar panels, ensuring fair competition and compliance with trade regulations.
Monitoring Import Surges and Oversupply
The Department of Energy and the Department of Commerce will closely monitor import patterns of solar modules from Southeast Asia to prevent oversaturation of the U.S. market. Measures will be taken to address unfair practices and protect domestic manufacturers from the impact of increased imports driven by manufacturers in the People’s Republic of China.
Providing Additional Guidance on Domestic Content Bonus
The Department of Treasury is issuing further guidance on the domestic content bonus available to developers of clean energy projects. This guidance aims to enhance partnerships between developers and manufacturers by addressing eligibility concerns and creating a new elective safe harbor to determine bonus eligibility, promoting investment in U.S. solar manufacturing and facilitating compliance with regulatory requirements.
Supporting Technology Development for Solar Manufacturing
The Department of Energy is allocating over $70 million in research and development selections to advance technologies in the solar supply chain. These investments will support new entrants in the solar manufacturing market and address gaps in the supply chain, fostering innovation and market expansion for solar technologies in the U.S.
Managing Tariff-Rate Quota for Solar Cells
The administration will monitor the tariff-rate quota for imported solar cells under Section 201 to support expanded solar manufacturing. If imports approach the current quota level, adjustments will be made to ensure the growth of domestic module manufacturing and scalability of production throughout the supply chain.
In a statement to the press, National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi highlighted the administration’s commitment to accelerating solar deployment and combating unfair trade practices that threaten U.S. investments in clean energy. President Biden’s actions underscore the importance of protecting American jobs and preserving the environment through sustainable energy initiatives. By taking a proactive stance on trade policy and clean energy development, the administration is paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future for the nation.
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