President Biden drew criticism Monday after citing the Defense Manufacturing Act to potentially speed up the production of solar panels – as journalists and Republicans questioned the rationale for using special wartime powers.
Proponents of renewable energy, meanwhile, welcomed the White House’s announcement that Biden would invoke the law “to speed up domestic production of clean energy technologies, including parts of solar panels.”
Representative Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) Tweeted: “Irresponsible and perhaps constitutionally corrupt abuse of the Biden Defense Proceedings Act should worry every American. The DPA is not a release card that disguises lazy and clumsy management, just as this administration uses it. “
Representative Chris Stewart (R-Utah) questioned Biden’s priorities, tweeting: “Can’t find a baby formula for your newborn? Can’t afford to fill your gas tank? Don’t worry, @POTUS will have the new solar panels ready in no time … ”
Biden cited the Defense Manufacturing Act to potentially speed up the production of solar panels.AP
It is not clear whether the declaration will have any effect in the short term, nor is it clear whether the weather has anything to do with record high gas and diesel prices. The White House statement did not mention the rise in pump prices.
The Energy Department and the White House will bring together “key stakeholders” to discuss future steps to “maximize the impact of DPA instruments,” the statement said.
Fox Business reporter Edward Lawrence asked White House spokeswoman Karin Jean-Pierre about the reasons for the DPA’s reference.
Proponents of renewable energy welcomed the White House announcement.AP
“What is the real state of emergency in the solar industry for the Defense Manufacturing Act?” Lawrence asked at Jean-Pierre’s regular briefing.
“When the president passes the Defense Proceedings Act, it’s to make sure he’s working for the American people,” Jean-Pierre said. “This is an important tool that he has used several times and has been incredibly effective.”
Jean-Pierre added: “He refers to the Law on Defense Production in order to quickly expand the domestic production of parts for solar panels, insulation of buildings, heat pumps and others.”
The Obama administration’s aggressive stance on solar panels has sparked the Solyndra.AP scandal
She said Biden individually “puts the full force of the federal government’s purchasing power behind the support of US clean energy producers and provides US solar employers with the short-term stability they need to build clean energy projects and deliver -available energy “.
In response to a question from another reporter, Jean-Pierre said calling on the DPA would not be beneficial for imported solar panels from China.
“These actions do not apply to materials imported from China. “Import duties will remain in force on solar cells and panels from China or Taiwan,” she said.
Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) Praised Biden’s comments.AP
The Biden administration did not give a reason for national defense to use the act to increase solar panels.
When Biden was vice president, the Obama administration aggressively pushed for solar power, sparking the Solyndra scandal when a politically affiliated company went bankrupt after receiving $ 535 million in federal loan guarantees.
The Defense Manufacturing Act was used in particular by the Trump administration to force companies to produce fans and test pads at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and was recently used by Biden to speed up the production of baby formula to alleviate shortage.
Representative Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) Called Biden’s comments “irresponsible and perhaps corrupt by constitution.”
Many Democrats have endorsed Biden’s latest action, which can only influence corporate behavior by threatening to act.
“Three congratulations to Biden on using the DPA to expand domestic solar panel production,” tweeted Senator Jeff Merklee (D-Ore.), Who wrote that the action could improve “US energy independence” while boosting US companies and workers.
“It’s great to see [Biden] call on the DPA on behalf of clean energy today, “tweeted billionaire investor Tom Stayer, a renewable energy promoter vying for Biden for the Democratic nomination for president in 2020.” This plan will boost U.S. production, will accelerate solar innovation and create good jobs. An important step forward. “
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