Frank Pallone: “Mr. Chair, I find it deeply ironic that congressional Republicans are supportive of a study to assess matters impacting…”

“Mr. Chair, I find it deeply ironic that congressional Republicans are supportive of a study to assess matters impacting the supply chain for the power sector, yet remain completely silent on the Trump administration policies that are currently negatively impacting the electric supply chain. Let's look at Trump's disastrous tariffs on steel and aluminum. These materials are essential components in our electric infrastructure from power lines to transformers. Slapping a hefty tariff on steel and aluminum only exacerbates current supply chain issues and could cause grid infrastructure costs to skyrocket. For example, we know that there is already a shortage of transformers, which are crucial to our electric system as they transport energy to our homes and businesses. Yet President Trump's tariffs on steel are only serving to complicate an already fragile supply chain that is already complicated by long lead times. These additional costs from tariffs could also be passed on to consumers, which is especially concerning at a time when electricity prices are up 13 percent across the country.”