Keep China Out of Solar Energy Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1167
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-10: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-08T17:48:50Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Keep China Out of Solar Energy Act of 2025" (H.R. 1167) aims to prevent U.S. federal government agencies from buying solar panels made or assembled in China. It seeks to promote domestic or non-Chinese sources for solar energy procurement, citing concerns over foreign influence and control.
Key Provisions
- Prohibition on Procurement (Section 2): Within 180 days of enactment, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), working with the Administrator of General Services (GSA), must create rules for federal agencies to block the use of federal funds—including contracts, subcontracts, grants, or subgrants—for purchasing solar panels from "covered entities" (Chinese-domiciled or government-influenced companies). It also bans government-issued credit cards for such purchases. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)—a key set of rules for federal buying—must be updated to enforce this for contracts and subcontracts.
- Waiver Process (Section 3): Agency heads can request a waiver if they certify that a covered entity is the only available source. The waiver requires joint approval from the Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security. OMB must notify Congress quarterly about waiver requests, including approvals or rejections, via reports to specific Senate and House committees (e.g., Foreign Relations, Homeland Security, Oversight and Government Reform).
- Reporting Requirement (Section 4): Within 275 days of enactment, the Comptroller General (head of the Government Accountability Office, or GAO) must report to Congress on the volume of solar panels previously bought by federal agencies from covered entities.
- Independent Study (Section 5): Within one year, OMB must contract a federally funded research center to study: (1) the current and future U.S. market for solar panel production; (2) how well the domestic market can match industry technological progress; and (3) the global supply chain and workforce for solar panels. The study results must be sent to relevant congressional committees within 30 days of receipt.
- Definitions (Section 6):
- "Covered entity": Any company based in China or controlled/influenced by its government or Communist Party, as decided by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
- "Executive agency": Federal departments and agencies subject to procurement rules (per U.S. law).
- "Solar panel": Specifically crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, which convert sunlight to electricity.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a targeted ban on federal procurement of Chinese-made solar panels, which does not exist in current law. It builds on broader federal acquisition rules (like the FAR) by adding specific prohibitions and waiver mechanisms. It also mandates new reporting and a market study, expanding oversight without altering unrelated procurement laws. If passed, it would amend the FAR to embed this restriction permanently into federal buying guidelines.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Could limit options for federal solar projects (e.g., in energy, defense, or infrastructure), potentially raising costs or causing delays if non-Chinese alternatives are scarce. Waivers provide flexibility but add bureaucratic steps.
- On Citizens: May indirectly boost U.S. jobs and innovation in solar manufacturing by favoring domestic suppliers, supporting broader clean energy goals. However, it could slow federal adoption of solar power if supply issues arise, affecting public access to renewable energy initiatives.
- On International Relations: Reinforces U.S. efforts to reduce reliance on China for critical technologies, potentially escalating trade tensions. It signals a push for supply chain diversification but might disrupt global solar markets if other countries follow suit.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Executive Agencies: Directly impacted as primary buyers of solar panels for government operations and projects.
- U.S. Solar Industry and Workers: Likely beneficiaries through reduced competition from Chinese imports, potentially increasing domestic production and employment.
- Chinese Solar Manufacturers and Suppliers: Face exclusion from the U.S. federal market, which could affect their exports and global operations.
- Congressional Committees: Gain enhanced oversight through reports and studies, influencing future policy on energy and trade.
- Key Officials and Offices: OMB, GSA, Departments of State and Homeland Security, and GAO, who must implement, approve, and review the rules.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens existing federal powers to restrict foreign procurement for national security reasons (similar to bans in defense laws), but the waiver process ensures compliance with trade agreements. The Homeland Security Secretary's role in defining "covered entities" introduces discretion that could face legal challenges if seen as overly broad.
- Constitutional: Relies on Congress's authority over federal spending (under the Appropriations Clause) and commerce regulation, without raising direct free speech or due process issues. It promotes energy independence but could be scrutinized if waivers are rarely granted, limiting agency flexibility.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan concerns over China's influence in strategic sectors like renewables, aligning with trends in U.S. policy to "decouple" from adversarial nations. It may spark debates on balancing security with economic efficiency in the green energy transition, potentially influencing broader trade legislation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-28]
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-10: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-02-10: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-10: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Keep China Out of Solar Energy Act of 2025 — issued 2025-02-10 — PDF (5 pages)