WASHINGTON, July 26, 2017 - A group including Solar Energy Industries Association, Johnson Controls and Keystone Power Holdings has formed the Energy Trade Action Coalition to battle a trade petition by Suniva and SolarWorld Americas. The Section 201 “Petition for Global Safeguard Relief – Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells and Modules” seeks a tariff of 40 cents per watt on all foreign-made solar cells and a floor price of 78 cents per watt on all foreign-made panels, doubling the price for the basic ingredients of the broader U.S. solar industry. “Tariffs meant to protect one industry can, and often do, have significant damaging effects on other domestic industries,” said Tori K. Whiting, research associate at the Heritage Foundation. “Imposing tariffs under Section 201, as Suniva and SolarWorld request, would be a step backward by adding another layer of federal subsidies, which is something the Heritage Foundation opposes in all instances.” A news release said the coalition’s members will actively engage with the Trump administration, Congress, the media and public on the issue.
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