Biden To Veto Congress’s Effort To Kill His Solar Policy

Exciting news from the White House! President Joe Biden is standing firm on his decision to waive solar tariffs on four Southeast Asian nations for two years, despite congressional efforts to overturn it. This move is part of Biden’s plan to create a “bridge” while U.S. manufacturing ramps up.

However, last week a U.S. House of Representatives committee voted in favor of restoring the tariffs on solar panels from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, reversing Biden’s suspension. But the White House argues that Biden’s policy has worked and points to an increase in domestic solar production since he came into office.

“This legislation would sabotage U.S. energy security. It would undermine our momentum in creating a massive new domestic industry. It would sideline workers who are fired up to build these projects and operate them across the country,” said Ali Zaidi, Biden’s national climate adviser.

The United States is on track to increase domestic solar panel manufacturing capacity 8-fold by the end of 2024, which is fantastic news for the industry and the environment. Biden does not plan to issue an extension on the tariff waivers after the 2-year period has concluded because domestic manufacturing has taken off.

“Given the strong trends in the domestic solar industry, the President does not intend to extend the tariff suspension at the conclusion of the 24-month period in June 2024,” the White House said in a “Statement of Administration Policy.”

If you’re wondering what will happen if Congress passes the joint resolution, the answer is simple: President Biden will veto it. So, let’s keep our eyes on the prize and continue to support the growth of the domestic solar industry!

(Reporting by Jeff Mason; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Nick Zieminski)