NARUC Approves Resolution Urging USTR to Carefully Weigh the Harmful Results of Trade Remedies

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), the body that represents State Public Service Commissioners in charge of regulating utilities across the country, formally adopted a resolution urging the U.S. Trade Representative (“USTR”) to carefully consider the harm that American consumers would face from proposed trade remedies, including tariffs. Following is a statement from Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA):
 
“We commend the NARUC Commissioners for strongly speaking up for their constituents – American energy consumers.
 
“Analysts project that the International Trade Commission’s recommendations, if applied, would inflate the cost of solar thereby destroying demand and eroding billions of dollars in investment. As NARUC’s resolution points out, increased costs would also pose a challenge to state renewable energy and emissions goals.
 
“Today, solar is a force in America’s economy, employing 260,000 Americans and generating some of the least expensive electricity in the nation. This impressive economic growth should not be derailed. We hope the USTR takes these concerns into consideration as the solution here needs to be a constructive one that advances our nation’s economy, not contracts it.”

###
 

About SEIA®:

Celebrating its 43rd anniversary in 2017, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry, which now employs more than 260,000 Americans. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America.  SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to build jobs and diversity, champion the use of cost-competitive solar in America, remove market barriers and educate the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contact:

Alex Hobson, SEIA Senior Communications Manager, ahobson@seia.org (202) 556-2886