Workshop Session II: Thursday, March 15, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Concentration: Clean Energy Manufacturing

In order to establish the U.S. as a global leader in clean energy technologies and manufacturing, we need broad and comprehensive investment policies to create a stable clean energy market, but we also need a level playing field with other nations investing in clean energy. Unfortunately, other nations are rapidly outpacing the U.S. in clean energy investments. In 2009, China became the world’s leader in private investment in renewable energy, investing almost $35 billion in clean energy technologies compared to the U.S.’s almost $19 billion investment. In 2010, China’s clean energy investments surged to $54.4 billion. Much of these investments were and are unfortunately being done in direct violation of China’s obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization. These violations, which serve to stimulate and protect China’s clean energy producers, present an added impediment to the growth of the U.S. clean energy market and the jobs associated with it. In response to these violations, the United Steelworkers (USW) filed a petition under section 301 of the Trade Act on September 9, 2010. 

This workshop will provide background into the USW’s case as well as touch on the recent trade case Solar World filed against China’s state-sponsored solar industry.

Presenters:
Linda Andros, Legislative Counsel, United Steelworkers