Sen Ossoff’s “Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act” endorsed by Finance Committee Chair and colleagues
Senate Finance Committee oversees clean energy tax provisions in reconciliation bill
WATCH the press conference here
Washington, D.C. — Today, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), who chairs the powerful Senate Committee on Finance with jurisdiction over clean energy tax legislation, strongly endorsed inclusion of U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff’s solar manufacturing tax credit in the upcoming reconciliation bill.
The announcement came at a press conference where Sen. Ossoff led a group of colleagues urging the inclusion of his Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act in the reconciliation package to supercharge domestic manufacturing and meet President Biden’s ambitious goal of having solar energy account for 40% of U.S. energy by 2035.
“The Ossoff legislation, in my view, is absolutely a prerequisite in dealing with the climate change challenge,” Sen. Wyden said. “I want everybody to know we are going to go to the mat for this as part of reconciliation.”
“We are here — united — to call for inclusion and passage of the Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act in the reconciliation package,” Sen. Ossoff said. “We have a generational obligation, a historic obligation to address climate change, to transition from fossil fuel combustion to clean and renewable energy. Demand for solar energy is skyrocketing, and we need to be building this technology, manufacturing this equipment here in the United States, reduce our reliance on imports from China, and meet the moment.”
Sens. Ossoff and Wyden were joined by Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), who were both original co-sponsors of the Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act, and Representatives Dan Kildee (D-MI-05) and Mikie Sherill (D-NJ-11).
Rep. Kildee is leading the introduction of the Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act in the House, and Rep. Sherrill is the House lead on the RAISE the Roof Act, which would make rooftop solar more affordable for homeowners and businesses.
“When we invest in domestic manufacturing up and down the solar panel supply chain, job creators, like Q CELLS, employ and support hardworking Georgia families,” Sen. Rev. Warnock said. “I’m proud to join Senator Ossoff, and I’m grateful for his leadership.”
“The solar industry is dominated by China. We’re going to transition to clean energy — like solar power. It’s critical that we meet those climate goals that don’t come at the expense of American values or American jobs,” Rep. Kildee said.
“The Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act is so important. It’s going to accelerate the transition to clean energy and help make the U.S. a world leader in solar manufacturing,” Sen. Stabenow said.
“The climate crisis is the biggest threat we face as a nation and as a planet. We have an opportunity right now to take action. The bills we’re discussing today, including the expanded solar investment tax credit and the RAISE the Roof Act, would be instrumental in seizing that opportunity,” Rep. Sherill said.
Click here to watch a recording of the press conference.
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