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Trump Administration Approves Tariffs of 30 Percent On Imported Solar Panels (axios.com)
The Trump administration just approved tariffs of 30% on imported solar panels. Axios explains why it matters: "Most of the American solar industry has opposed tariffs on panels, saying they would raise prices and hurt the sector. A small group of solar panel manufacturers argued -- successfully -- that an influx of cheap imports, largely from China or Chinese-owned companies, was hurting domestic manufacturing. It's also part of President Trump's broader trade agenda against China." From the report: The tariffs would last for four years and decline in increments of 5% from 30%: 25%, 20% and finally 15% in the fourth year. The tariffs are lower than the 35% the U.S. International Trade Commission had initially recommended last year, per Bloomberg. This is actually the third, and broadest, set of tariffs the U.S. government has issued on solar imports in recent years. The Obama administration issued two earlier rounds of tariffs on a narrower set of imports. Monday's action also imposed import tariffs on washing machines, a much lower profile issue than solar energy.
... slowing down our energy independence ...
In Republican speak, "energy independence" is code for fossil-fuel companies and them doing whatever they want - like pollute rivers, etc...
More seriously, complaints about this are over-blown. From United States energy independence
In total energy consumption, the U.S. was between 86% and 91% self-sufficient in 2016. In May 2011, the country became a net exporter of refined petroleum products. As of 2014, the United States was the world's third-largest producer of crude oil, after Saudi Arabia and Russia and second largest exporter of refined products, after Russia.
Note the phrase, "net exporter of refined petroleum products."
It must have been something you assimilated. . . .
"1. People are required by law to pay more for solar panels."
"2. This extra money goes to corporations that did nothing to earn it."
That's a complete misrepresentation. Yes, the prices will likely increase to where the competitive market should have been in the first place, and prevents China from dominating the market unfairly.
Just another day in Paradise