WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In testimony today before the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) objected to India's restrictive trade policies and urged the country's leaders to return to the negotiating table to resolve outstanding trade disputes. India is the world's largest democracy, and a leading U.S. trade partner.

In his testimony, John Smirnow, SEIA vice president of trade and competitiveness, said India's local content requirement "discriminates against U.S. solar exports and, thereby, provides an unfair competitive advantage to India's domestic solar manufacturers."

Smirnow went on to say that "collaboration -- not litigation -- is the best way to resolve these trade disputes. While we fully support India's desire to promote solar manufacturing, both as an economic development tool and a solution to climate change, India's government-support measures must be consistent with the country's international trade obligations."

Read the testimony here.

About SEIA®:
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA and its 1,000 member companies are building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. www.seia.org

Media Contacts:             
Jamie Nolan, 202-556-2886, [email protected]
Ken Johnson, 202-556-2885, [email protected]

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