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Congressman Krishnamoorthi Joins Colleagues In Introducing Legislation To Create Domestic Solar Manufacturing Jobs

September 30, 2021

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) introduced the Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act (SEMA) with Reps. Dan Kildee (MI-05), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-07), Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), Brian Higgins (NY-26), Tim Ryan (OH-13), Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Suzan DelBene (WA-12) and Earl Blumenauer (OR-3). The legislation would accelerate the growth of American solar panel manufacturing while creating good-paying US jobs and decreasing our dependence on foreign solar component production from nations such as China by providing tax credits for American solar manufacturers at every stage of the supply chain, from solar cells to fully assembled solar modules. According to an independent analysis by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, SEMA would create tens of thousands of American solar jobs while helping to end China's domination of the solar manufacturing supply chain, which it's achieved through unfair trade practices, including the use of slave labor by Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

"Clean energy and green technology are the keys to creating the middle class jobs of the future, but we can only capitalize on that economic potential if we create the environment American workers and companies need to thrive in the face of unfair foreign competition," said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. "The Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act will build a new foundation for our domestic solar manufacturing sector, helping our economy and workers to reap the full benefits of clean energy while eliminating our dependence on Chinese manufacturing."

"American workers can compete with anyone if they are given a level playing field," said Congressman Kildee. "Unfortunately, the Chinese-dominated solar panel industry is far from fair for American workers and manufacturers. Our legislation will help create tax incentives to boost U.S. manufacturing so we can create good-paying American jobs. I am proud to partner with Senator Ossoff and my House colleagues to introduce this important legislation and invest in American manufacturing."

"We have a generational obligation, a historic obligation to address climate change, to transition from fossil fuel combustion to clean and renewable energy. Demand for solar energy is skyrocketing, and we need to be building this technology, manufacturing this equipment here in the United States, reduce our reliance on imports from China, and meet the moment," said Sen. Ossoff.

"As America makes a once-in-a-generation investment in clean energy, we must guarantee that we build clean jobs here at home. We cannot continue to count on foreign competitors like China to dominate this growing industry. I'm proud to be a part of this effort led by Congressman Kildee to bring the solar supply chain back to the U.S.," said Congressman Schneider.

The legislation is endorsed by organizations including the Solar Energy Industry Association, Environmental Defense Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council, Audobon, Hemlock Semiconductor, REC Silicon, CubicPV, Swift Solar Leading Edge Equipment Technologies, Caelux Corporation, Ultra Low Carbon Solar Alliance, Mission Solar, Q CELLS and Yaskawa Solectria Solar.