Congressman Tim Ryan Introduces Legislation in House to Create Solar Manufacturing Jobs in America

Statement

Washington, DC -- Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) joined Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today to introduce the Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act to help bring solar panel manufacturing back to America, create good-paying jobs, and free the U.S. from dependence on foreign solar panel manufacturers like China.

Ryan and Kildee's legislation in the House was also introduced by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) in the U.S. Senate. Reps. Brad Schneider (IL-10), Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-07), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), Brian Higgins (NY-26), Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Suzan DelBene (WA-12) and Earl Blumenauer (OR-3) are also original cosponsors of the legislation in the U.S. House.

The Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act (SEMA) would provide tax credits for American manufacturers at every stage of the solar manufacturing supply chain, from polysilicon production to solar cells to fully assembled solar modules. The bill would create tens of thousands of American solar jobs, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Currently, China dominates the solar supply chain because of unfair trade practices like using forced and slave labor by Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

"We cannot allow China to win the economies of the future. Unfortunately right now they are leading the solar panel industry, but that can change. America has the best workforce in the world, but it is our job to make sure they are competing on a level playing field. That is why I am proud to introduce this important legislation that supports American manufacturing and will create good paying jobs in communities across the country," said Rep. Tim Ryan.

"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.

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

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