The next phase of Trump’s fight against solar energy has begun

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The Trump administration has escalated its efforts to constrain the U.S. solar industry by cancelling $7.6 billion in clean energy funding, tightening trade restrictions, and delaying permitting processes for solar projects
• These measures come just months after the administration ended key renewable tax credits through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, prompting solar developers to race for remaining incentives before new rules take effect.

🔭 The context: During Trump’s second term, the administration has prioritized fossil fuel expansion while rolling back support for renewables
• The newly introduced Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) rules aim to block Chinese influence in solar supply chains, despite China's control over more than 90% of polysilicon production — a critical input for solar panels
• Simultaneously, the Department of the Interior is stalling federal permits for renewable projects, citing a need to "rebalance" energy development

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: These policies risk significantly slowing the transition to clean energy in the U.S., potentially delaying emissions reductions and undermining global climate commitments
• With solar power accounting for a growing share of new electricity capacity, obstructing its deployment could lock in higher fossil fuel use and increase environmental costs
• The regulatory uncertainty may also weaken investor confidence and disrupt solar supply chains

⏭️ What's next: Treasury Department guidance on FEOC compliance is expected before June 30, 2026, but many financiers are already pausing solar investments due to unclear eligibility for subsidies
• The Commerce Department is also considering new import restrictions under a national security review, with a decision due by March
• Legal and political battles are likely to intensify as the industry seeks clarity and relief from what it calls a "regulatory onslaught"

💬 One quote: "They are using every tool at their disposal to slow us down." — Abigail Ross Hopper, President, Solar Energy Industries Association

📈 One stat: Solar growth is now projected to be 18% lower through 2030 due to current policies, according to SEIA and Wood Mackenzie

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