Today, New Democrat Coalition Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the below statement following President Biden’s announcement of a two-year tariff exemption on solar panel imports and further steps to spur domestic clean energy manufacturing:  

“Last month, New Dems pushed the Biden administration to act swiftly in the solar tariffs investigation in order to continue the transition to a clean energy economy, lower energy costs for families, and meet our clean energy goals. We’re grateful that President Biden took executive action today to waive tariffs on solar panel imports for 24 months and accelerate domestic manufacturing of clean energy technologies. As families are facing high prices and the climate crisis intensifies, these actions will help bolster U.S. solar manufacturing, increase affordable clean energy options, and create good-paying jobs for Americans. 

“This is a much-needed step to provide certainty and support to the U.S. solar industry. As the Department of Commerce’s investigation into solar imports proceeds, we continue to urge the Department to prioritize resolving this investigation in accordance with the law to protect American jobs and the Administration’s climate strategy. New Dems will continue to work closely with the Biden administration to ensure that we accelerate and incentivize clean energy deployment and leverage every tool possible to combat the climate crisis.