The Solar Energy Industries Association(SEIA)has issued an urgent statement expressing strong opposition to the latest guidelines on energy tax credits issued by the US Treasury.
The guidelines restrict access to tax incentives by tightening'start of construction'rules.SEIA warns that this will trigger a chain reaction,including putting pressure on small and medium-sized enterprises,pushing up consumers'electricity bills,and reducing US energy competitiveness.SEIA has described the policy as“another energy failure”of the Trump administration.
SEIA President and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper has stated that the Treasury's new rules are the result of a“secret deal”between the government and those opposed to clean energy.This deal violates the H.R.1 Act approved by Congress and“directly undermines”America’s clean energy economy.
She emphasised that thousands of small solar companies across the country would be'the first victims',as these businesses are the driving force behind industry employment and the spread of clean energy.
The impact of the new rules on people’s livelihoods and the economy will be immediate.Hopper has explained that tighter policies will delay the construction of low-cost,reliable energy facilities,putting strain on the electricity market and ultimately pushing up costs for American households and businesses.
She noted that ordinary people would see their monthly electricity bills rise,while businesses would face higher operating costs,a situation that is completely contrary to the government’s promise to“lower living costs”.
The US position is equally concerning on the international stage.As Hopper has pointed out,the world is engaged in fierce competition around'AI energy supply',and stable energy provision is fundamental to the growth of the AI industry.She has said that America’s“self-imposed restrictions”on solar and clean energy development will allow China to“maintain its lead”in this key area,thereby weakening US technological and energy influence in the long term.
SEIA has been monitoring developments since the'secret agreement'was revealed last month.Its team is now studying the details of the new guidelines and assessing follow-up steps,including legal options,to protect the interests of the industry and the nation as a whole.SEIA has also renewed its call for the Trump administration to stop playing politics,remove“unreasonable restrictions”on clean energy companies,address real needs and accelerate the construction of energy infrastructure that meets market demand and enhances competitiveness.
As the authoritative body for the US solar and'solar plus storage'sectors,SEIA has spent over 51 years driving its 1,000 member companies to build a clean energy ecosystem.Its goal of'30%solar power by 2030'is a key part of America’s energy transition.Industry opposition to the new rules could present a critical opportunity to advocate for changes to US energy policy.
