WASHINGTON, D.C. -Today in Washington, President Trump’s top trade adviser held a public hearing on the Section 201 solar trade case.  The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), solar companies, utilities and many others showed the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the Trade Policy Staff Committee that tariffs on solar imports would deal a deep, self-inflicted wound to the American economy and help two foreign-based companies and their hedge fund investors.

Following is a statement from Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of SEIA:

“By the end of the day, the Trade Policy Staff Committee will be fully informed of what’s at stake with this trade case. President Trump now must know that new tariffs would put tens of thousands of American workers out of jobs, including veterans and manufacturers. It is a fact - tariffs would harm our economy and national security and eliminate, not add, manufacturing facilities. This outcome would be inconsistent with an America First agenda. 

“The decision is now the president’s alone to make, and his choice could not be more clear: protect American workers or side with foreign interests trying to exploit U.S trade law and decimate one of our nation’s fastest-growing industries. We hope the USTR will convey these facts to the president and help him make a decision that puts America First by rejecting tariffs.”

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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, [email protected] (202) 556-2886