The 2024 presidential election between Democrats and Republicans presents a stark contrast in climate policies, with significant implications for the U.S. and global efforts to combat climate change. Biden's administration has implemented extensive measures to reduce emissions and promote clean energy, while Trump plans to dismantle many of these initiatives if elected.
Democrats vs. Republicans on Climate Policy
Source: Reuters
Price Pressures: U.S. solar factories face intense price competition from cheaper imports, primarily from Chinese manufacturers, which threatens their viability.
Federal Subsidies Insufficient: Even with federal subsidies aimed at bolstering domestic production, U.S. factories are finding it hard to match the low costs of Chinese imports.
Dependence on Chinese Polysilicon: Many U.S. plants still rely on Chinese polysilicon, which is cheaper than alternatives, undermining efforts to create a more self-sufficient supply chain.
Many U.S. Solar Factories Are Lagging. Except Those Owned by China
Despite efforts to boost domestic solar manufacturing in the U.S., many factories are struggling to compete, except those owned by Chinese companies. The key points are:
d the full Link article: "3 Current Trends in Occupational Safety and Health in 2024"
Biden's administration has taken over 300 actions to address climate change, including significant investments in renewable energy and stricter emissions regulations. In contrast, Trump has pledged to dismantle these policies, emphasizing fossil fuel production and deregulation. The outcome of the 2024 election could significantly impact the U.S.'s ability to meet its climate goals and global efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. > View the full article.
Source: New York Times
Policy Challenges: The U.S. government is concerned about overcapacity and overproduction by China, and changes in policy and stronger trade enforcement are deemed necessary to support domestic manufacturers.
Industry Concerns: Industry leaders, like First Solar's CEO, highlight the ongoing challenges posed by Chinese subsidization and dumping strategies, which have led to significant drops in cell and module prices. > View the full article.