Trump Imposes 30 Percent Tariff on Solar Panels

What’s the story?

The Trump administration announced on Monday that the U.S. would slap a 30 percent tax on imported solar panels.

Why does it matter?

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement:

“The President’s action makes clear again that the Trump Administration will always defend American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses.”

But critics of the move – including environmentalists, solar manufacturers, and politicians – said the decision will hurt American manufacturing jobs and consumers.

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) tweeted:

Trump admin's new protectionist tariffs nothing more than a tax on consumers https://t.co/2ZSZ72a9Zv

— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) January 23, 2018

McCain was joined in his concerns by Mike Bloomberg, the former Independent mayor of New York City:

Taxing solar panels up to 30% will destroy U.S. jobs, raise Americans' electric bills and hurt our environment. Congress should stand up for American workers and consumers and overturn the administration's harmful decision. https://t.co/TBdgQ1LluV

— Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) January 23, 2018

Both China and South Korea - major exporters of solar panels - also decried the administration's decision.

What do you think?

Does imposing tariffs on solar panels help “American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses”? Or should “Congress should stand up for American workers and consumers and overturn the administration’s harmful decision”? Hit Take Action and let Congress know—then share your thoughts below.

Take Action

—Josh Herman

Related Reading

• FERC Rejects Energy Secretary’s Plan To Subsidize Coal and Nuclear Plants
• Climate Change Erased, Replaced Or Misplaced on Federal Websites
• How Should Trump Handle the U.S.-China Trade Relationship?

(Photo Credit: Patrick Civello / iStock)