Washington, D.C. (September 22, 2017) Congressman Steve Pearce released the following statement after the International Trade Commission (ITC) determined that U.S. solar manufacturers are being harmed by imports:

"Today's decision by the ITC confirms that foreign solar manufacturers are being put above American jobs and producers. For years, foreign solar dumping of low cost panels and products has put U.S. manufacturers out of business, eliminating good-paying jobs and revenues in New Mexico and across the country. New Mexico has great potential to become a major hub in the U.S. for solar manufacturers and producers, however, pressure put on manufacturers by low-cost imports has forced many companies to go out of business.

Schott Solar, an Albuquerque based company was living proof of this. They were forced to close up shop because they couldn't keep pace with the low market price for solar panels and products, laying off nearly 250 employees in Albuquerque. I've always supported an ‘all of the above' energy plan that unleashes America's domestic energy production while developing greener sources of energy including wind, solar, and nuclear power. By implementing an import tariff on these companies, New Mexico could once again become a power player in the nation's solar energy production, stimulating job growth and bringing in greater revenues that the state desperately needs."

Background
In 2012, Schott Solar PV Inc. closed down their manufacturing plant in south Albuquerque, laying off 250 employees according to the Albuquerque Journal.