US solar companies ask Congress to act on Trump's solar permit freezing

In a letter sent to Congress leaders on Thursday, dozens of U.S. Solar companies called for federal lawmakers to reverse a Trump Administration policy that had stalled permits.

Why it's important

The letter highlights the growing concerns of project developers about President Donald Trump's Interior Department increasing its scrutiny of solar permits at a time when energy demand is on the rise.

KEY QUOTE

In a letter sent to Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority leader Hakeem Jeffreys, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Minority speaker Mike Johnson, the companies stated that "businesses need certainty to continue to make investments in the United States in order to build out much needed energy projects." The companies said that Interior Department actions "amounted to a near-complete moratorium on permits."

CONTEXT In a memo from Doug Burgum, Interior Secretary in July, Burgum requested his signature on dozens of types of solar permits. This included projects on federal land as well as those on private land that involved federal resources or consultation. This is one of many measures taken by the government to limit wind and solar power, which Trump believes are unreliable, costly, and unfairly subsidised.

By the Numbers

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, more than 500 projects could be delayed or cancelled. 143 companies have signed the letter, including solar developers and installers, manufacturers, power providers, and manufacturers.

THE REPLY

The Interior Department did not respond to a request for comment. The Interior Department was not immediately available for comment.

(source: Reuters)