Washington, DC—Today Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Henry A. Waxman and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Diana DeGette sent a letter to Chairman Fred Upton requesting that the Committee expand its investigation to examine whether U.S. policies and incentives are adequate to ensure U.S. manufacturers can compete effectively in the global solar market. 

Over the course of the Solyndra investigation, it has become clear that the emerging dominance of China in the solar manufacturing market may be jeopardizing U.S. efforts to lead the world in clean energy technology innovation.  During the past few months, three U.S. solar manufacturers have filed for bankruptcy, with the leadership of those companies pointing to growing Chinese competition as a major factor in their financial difficulties.  China’s share of the solar market has jumped from 6% in 2005, to 54%, and half of the world’s ten largest solar panel manufacturers are now based in China. 

“While the Solyndra investigation has brought to light many concerns regarding that specific loan, we must also not lose sight of the larger issue of safeguarding U.S. efforts to lead the world in clean energy technology development,” said Rep. DeGette. “The Chinese government is providing extraordinary incentives for production and use of solar energy, including funding $30 billion in loans to solar manufacturers. Clearly China has made these sorts of investments a priority for their nation, which may be providing them a competitive advantage in the global marketplace. 

“At the same time, U.S. business leaders continue to express their belief that our nation should be investing in clean energy technologies, or risk being left sitting on the sidelines as this growing industry evolves around the world. This Committee and our colleagues must examine the adequacy of our policies and have a discussion about how government can appropriately support the development of domestic clean energy technologies. Our nation has an unparalleled history of innovation, and it would be to our long-term economic peril if we cede leadership to any other nation in clean energy technology development.”

The full text of the letter is available online here.