Biden and Congress must tackle China’s attempts to sabotage the Inflation Reduction Act

Renewable Energy Investments and China’s Influence

The Inflation Reduction Act has led to significant investments in America’s renewable energy sector. However, the Chinese Communist Party poses a threat by attempting to undermine America’s energy independence.

Solar Power Dynamics

Both Beijing and Washington acknowledge the importance of solar power in the renewable energy landscape, driven by different motives.

China’s Solar Supply Chain Monopoly

China’s strategic pursuit of a global monopoly in the solar supply chain, combined with subsidies and trade policies, has given them control over a significant portion of solar grade polysilicon and wafer supply chains.

Implications of Chinese Imports

Concerns arise as China leverages opportunities to flood the U.S. market with below-cost solar panels, jeopardizing American production and leading to potential bankruptcies.

tax credits and Chinese Investments

The Inflation Reduction Act offers tax credits for domestic renewable energy investments, but the lack of explicit prohibitions has allowed Chinese companies to benefit, potentially leading to Chinese-controlled solar manufacturing facilities in the U.S.

Combatting China’s Trade Activity

Urgent bipartisan action is required to address China’s illegal trade practices, protect U.S. taxpayers, and support the domestic solar manufacturing industry to create American jobs.

Call to Action for Congress

Congress must take action by implementing trade tools, prohibiting foreign adversaries from benefiting from U.S. incentives, ramping up domestic content requirements, and ensuring that efforts to reduce reliance on China are prioritized in renewable energy supply chains.

Securing America’s Energy Future

Dependence on Chinese solar panels poses a threat to America’s energy security and climate goals, emphasizing the need for bipartisan efforts to counter China’s influence.

Peter DeFazio (D) represented Oregon’s 4th Congressional District from 1987 to 2023. Cory Gardner (R) represented Colorado in the U.S. Senate from 2015 to 2021.