Billions in U.S. solar projects shelved after Trump panel tariff

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

BUSINESS NEWS JUNE 7, 2018 / 1:08 AM / UPDATED AN HOUR AGO

Billions in U.S. solar projects shelved after Trump panel tariff

Nichola Groom
9 MIN READ

(Reuters) - President Donald Trump’s tariff on imported solar panels has led U.S. renewable energy companies to cancel or freeze investments of more than $2.5 billion in large installation projects, along with thousands of jobs, the developers told Reuters.

That’s more than double the about $1 billion in new spending plans announced by firms building or expanding U.S. solar panel factories to take advantage of the tax on imports.

The tariff’s bifurcated impact on the solar industry underscores how protectionist trade measures almost invariably hurt one or more domestic industries for every one they shield from foreign competition. Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs, for instance, have hurt manufacturers of U.S. farm equipment made with steel, such as tractors and grain bins, along with the farmers buying them at higher prices.

White House officials did not respond to a request for comment.

Trump announced the tariff in January over protests from most of the solar industry that the move would chill one of America’s fastest-growing sectors.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-trump-effect-solar-insight/billions-in-u-s-solar-projects-shelved-after-trump-panel-tariff-idUSKCN1J30CT

[SammyWinstonJack]

1. Thanks tRUMP VOTERS! YOU SUCK.

[bigbrother05]

2. And forcing the retention of coal and nuclear plants is also an economic disaster

He gave the working man pennies for all the millions sent to his friends and their companies.

Now he's guarantying that the majority will pay higher prices for electricity while cutting medical care options for people exposed to black lung and other respiratory conditions associated with the continued use of coal.

I'm really tired of all this "winning".

[forgotmylogin]

3. Well, mission accomplished, you orange mofo.

We're actually regressing to the dark ages.

[Bengus81]

4. Westar Energy here in Kansas wants a PENALTY tacked on each energy bill

of those who use solar. This is in their newest rate HIKE proposal--30 rate hikes here in the 10/11 years. Yup...claim that solar users don't pay their "fair share" in supporting the grid. This is the type of out of control,shoot for the moon BS that a Republican majority will ALWAYS bring you.

Funny...I seen a lot of solar panels lately out on farms--they sure as hell have the room for them and their all good Trump voting Republicans. Along with this BS and the Trump tariff everyone will get screwed.


http://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/westar-energy-requesting-increases-for-solar-panel-customers-and-regular-energy-users/1011519506



http://www.kansas.com/latest-news/article212193809.html

[Volaris]

8. Don't pay their fair share..how the fuck is this even an argument..

If, by giving FREE ENERGY BACK TO THE POWER COMPANY, it means everyone else has to pay MORE?

CHILDREN aren't that stupid!

[TexasBushwhacker]

9. Yup. Simply by having solar you are supporting the grid

The time of day you are likely giving excess power back to the grid is the time when demand is highest. That means they don't have to generate as much power to meet customer needs and saves them money.

[NewJeffCT]

5. and now for a comment from a power company CEO

[Pepsidog]

6. I only hope this disproportionately affects his base who will have no job and no healthcare

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

7. That's a twofer for Trump.

1. He gets to kill alternative energy, which is a Republican wet dream, and
2. This will pretty much end Obama's push for wind and solar and away from fossil fuels. (Saying, "Obama did this..." is the quickest way to get Trump to do something to end it.)

I hope there are lots of Trump voters who work in the solar industry.