WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released the following statement in response to a new report from the Solar Energy Industries Association highlighting the damages caused by the Trump Administration’s solar tariffs, including a loss of more than 62,000 jobs nationwide and nearly $19 billion in new investments to U.S. companies.
“This Administration’s tariff policy has caused real harm to the U.S. solar industry and clean energy development,” said Senator Rosen. “In Nevada, and across the country, we are seeing the negative effects that these tariffs are having on both workers and businesses. We should be supporting the more than 6,500 solar energy workers in our state, not putting their jobs at risk. I will continue to oppose legislation that hinders clean energy progress, and support commonsense plans that strengthen clean energy.”
BACKGROUND: Earlier this year, Senator Rosen announced her original co-sponsor of the Renewable Energy Extension Act, legislation that would extend solar and clean energy tax incentives set to expire at the end of 2019.
Last Congress, as a member of the House, Rosen introduced the bipartisan Protecting American Solar Jobs Act (H.R. 5571) which would repeal the Administration’s 30% tariff on imported solar panels and modules.
Nevada is home to the most solar jobs per capita in the United States. According to the Solar Foundation, nearly 95% of these jobs are in installation, distribution, operations, and maintenance, and almost one in ten solar workers in Nevada is a veteran.
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