"Critics said the move would shortcut an investigation by the Commerce Department, which has been considering whether to impose the tariffs as part of a trade case against Chinese companies."
"WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Monday announced a two-year pause on imposing any new tariffs on the solar industry, a decision that follows an outcry from importers who have complained the levies are threatening broader adoption of solar energy in the United States.
The move is a victory for domestic solar installers, who said the tariffs would put at risk the Biden administration’s goal of significantly cutting carbon emissions by the end of the decade by reducing the flow of products into the United States. But it goes against the wishes of some American solar manufacturers and their defenders, who have been pushing the administration to erect tougher barriers on cheap imports to help revive the domestic industry.
It was the latest example of President Biden’s being caught between competing impulses when it comes to trying to steer the United States away from planet-warming fossil fuels, as he has pledged to do. By limiting tariffs, Mr. Biden will ensure a sufficient and cheap supply of solar panels at a time of high inflation and attempt to put stalled solar projects back on track. But the decision will postpone other White House efforts that might have punished Chinese companies for trade violations and lessened Beijing’s role in global supply chains.
To counteract complaints by the domestic solar industry, the administration said that Mr. Biden would attempt to speed U.S. manufacturing of solar components, including by invoking the authorities of the Defense Production Act, which gives the president expanded powers and funding to direct the activities of private businesses."
Ana Swanson, David Gelles, and Jim Tankersley report for the New York Times June 6, 2022.
SEE ALSO:
"White House Takes Steps To Spur Solar Industry" (Washington Post)
"Under Fire For Solar Probe, Biden Turns To Wartime Powers" (E&E News)
"Biden Orders Emergency Steps To Boost U.S. Solar Production" (AP)
"Biden Plans Solar Manufacturing Push to End Project Slowdown" (Bloomberg Green)
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