WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) voted no on a Republican-led effort to raise energy costs and harm lower-cost solar energy in the U.S. H.J.Res. 39 would immediately reimpose costly tariffs on solar products, slow the United States’ transition to clean energy, and eliminate thousands of American jobs. The Biden-Harris Administration suspended the tariffs in an effort to support the large-scale deployment of solar energy across the U.S. and maintain the momentum of job creation in clean energy. The new domestic manufacturing incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act are just getting started but have already generated over 142,000 jobs and over $240 billion in new investments in American communities.  H.J.Res. 39 would not only roll back these gains but also hamstring the future of the domestic solar industry. Lower-cost solar energy is critical to reducing the rising risks and costs of the climate crisis. 

“Solar energy is a cost-saver, a job creator and an essential component of the U.S. transition to a clean energy economy powered by affordable renewable energy,” said U.S. Rep. Castor. “This bill would drive up energy costs, increase pollution and reliance on fossil fuels, and cost tens of thousands good-paying American jobs. We should be working together in a bipartisan way to promote energy independence and security while lowering energy costs for families across the country.”   

Castor has been a leader in advancing legislation to grow clean, renewable solar in the Sunshine State. This year, on Earth Day, Castor reintroduced a package of three clean energy bills to boost access to solar energy and help Americans power their homes with affordable clean energy.