The Biden Administration recently waived tariffs on solar panels from four countries in a move advocates say will accelerate the clean energy transition and benefit national security.
The waived tariffs apply to four Asian countries— Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam—over the next two years. The action was hailed by solar industry and environmental advocates.
Due to fears of tariffs being enacted retroactively, solar industry-wide delays had stalled some planned shutdowns of coal plants. The tariff decision was part of a larger announcement that authorizes the Defense Production Act (DPA) to increase U.S. production of clean energy technology like heat pumps.
The announcement also authorizes the DPA to produce solar panel parts, building insulation, equipment for making and using clean electricity-generated fuels, and power grid infrastructure including transformers.
The DPA action is intended to decrease U.S. reliance on gas and oil, which the administration says, will benefit national security. It will also spur domestic manufacturing, construction projects, and good-paying jobs, the administration said.
Related Stories
| Oct 24, 2013
Supplement No. 2 to AISC 358-10 Prequalified Moment Connection Standard available for public review
Supplement No. 2 to the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) standard Prequalified Connections for Special and Intermediate Steel Moment Frames for Seismic Applications (AISC 358-10) is now available for public review.
| Oct 24, 2013
Changes in LEED v4 will have large impact on materials manufacturers
Changes to LEED in LEED v4 are so dramatic that they will send ripples into other industries and shift expectations on sustainability reporting and performance far beyond the building industry.
| Oct 24, 2013
D.C. office buildings going green at twice the national average
In 2011, about 33% of new office buildings in the U.S. were built to green standards, but in the nation’s capital that rate has skyrocketed.
| Oct 18, 2013
AGC considers suit over new hiring goals for vets, disabled
The Associated General Contractors of America and the HR Policy Association are reportedly considering taking legal action over the Labor Department's new hiring goals for veterans and disabled people.
| Oct 18, 2013
Cities may be more capable of driving sustainability than nations, experts say
With countries not tackling climate change aggressively, cities are in the best position to drive increased sustainability.
| Oct 8, 2013
Kansas City board OKs $1.6 billion TIF for $4.3 billion redevelopment project
Kansas City’s Tax Increment Financing Commission voted unanimously to forward the Bannister & I-435 TIF Plan to the Kansas City Council for approval.
| Oct 8, 2013
New Orleans advances $1 billion construction plan including new airport terminal
New Orleans plans to invest $1.1 billion in construction projects over the next five years.
| Oct 8, 2013
Report on large New York City buildings shows progress on energy efficiency
Buildings in New York City have been found to have a median score of 67 out of 100 in Energy Star's Portfolio Manager, an increase from 64 last year, and above the national average of 50, according to a study prepared by the Natural Resources Defense Council for the office of Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
| Oct 8, 2013
ConsensusDocs offers online prequalification management application to boost industry efficiency
In collaboration with ConsensusDocs, iSqFt has launched a new online platform designed to make the prequalification process for contractors and subcontractors seeking new work more efficient.
| Oct 8, 2013
Government shutdown closes E-Verify, could hamper construction hiring
E-Verify, the online federal program used to check the immigration status of prospective hires, has been closed due to the federal government shutdown.