Print
Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 23 January 2018 23 January 2018

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Steve Pearce released the following statement after the President signed a proclamation, prioritizing domestic solar panel industry and washer machine producers:

"This action today moves the nation one step closer to an ‘all the above' energy plan, unleashing America's domestic energy production while developing greener sources of energy. 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 solar industry has even suffered from reaching its full potential, forcing some manufacturers out of business. By implementing an import tariff today on foreign import companies, New Mexico could once again become a power player in the nation's solar energy production, bringing gob growth and more revenues that our state needs."

Background
On September 22, 2017, the International Trade Commission (ITC) determined that U.S. solar manufacturers are being harmed by imports. Due to an influx of cheaper, foreign panels, ITC recommended a 35% tariff on imports. Schott Solar, an Albuquerque based company was 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 New Mexico employees.