Assemblyman Says “New Tariffs Will Stymie the Industry’s Growth, Discourage Consumers”
(TRENTON) – Assemblyman John F. McKeon (D- Essex, Morris) issued the following statement on Tuesday regarding President Trump’s new tariffs on solar panels:
“President Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on imported solar panels is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to claim a victory for American manufacturing. In reality, it will have irreparable effects on the U.S. economy and deal a devastating blow to the renewable energy industry.”
“This decision allows outdated and dirty fossil fuels to flourish at a time when the solar industry currently employs over 260,000 workers and is one of the fastest growing segments of our economy. These new tariffs will stymie the industry’s growth and discourage consumers from installing new solar panels. Even the Solar Energy Industries Association opposed such actions and called the decision “misguided.”
“The President should do everything in his power to grow the renewable energy sector, which also provides good paying jobs to American workers. Instead, he continues to push oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and offshore drilling.
“It’s time the President grows up and starts leading on climate change, which has cost the U.S. economy at least $240 billion a year over the past decade.”