US solar industry's strategy for Trump's era downplays climate
The U.S. Solar Industry unveiled their lobbying strategy on Thursday for the incoming Trump Administration. They promoted themselves as a domestic employment engine that could help meet soaring demand for power, without mentioning its role in fighting climate change.
The new policy agenda is a dramatic shift for the solar industry, which has been a major beneficiary from the Inflation Reduction Act, a landmark climate change law passed by President Joe Biden in 2022.
Donald Trump, the President-elect Donald Trump, has promised to repeal the law. This would require Congress to take action.
Solar energy is a key component of American energy security, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
The report called for the government to support policies that would expand domestic manufacturing of solar panels and reduce reliance on China. It also urged for a relaxation of restrictions on grid connections and infrastructure investments.
The incoming administration was also asked to maintain low taxes and support the consumer's energy choice.
Abigail Ross Hopper, CEO of SEIA, said that solar is essential to meet America's increasing electricity needs and provide power for manufacturing and data centers.
This is a road map for the Trump Administration and Congress to take advantage of strong federal policies on solar and energy storage and realize their vision of an American energy industry that dominates.
The document didn't mention climate change nor the IRA. The SEIA didn't respond to an inquiry from a reporter for comments on the report.
SEIA's 2020 policy agenda, released ahead of Biden’s inauguration in 2020, advocated for carbon pricing and mentioned climate change multiple times.
Biden's administration saw solar energy as crucial to decarbonizing power sectors to combat global warming.
SEIA did not mention tariffs either, which it had requested the Biden Administration to reduce.
Trade group has opposed tariffs for years that increase costs for solar installers. But Trump has promised to use them aggressively in his economic agenda.
SEIA stated in a press release that U.S. Solar capacity increased by 128% during Trump’s first term as president.
Some priorities remain the same, such as increased solar development on government lands, improved grid accessibility and more support for local manufacturing. (Reporting and editing by Sam Holmes; Nichola Groom)
(source: Reuters)
