The Department of Defense has rejected concerns raised by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin regarding a project to install solar panels on the roof of the Pentagon and other installations, which he feared would use Chinese materials. The Pentagon has stated that they will not be installing Chinese-manufactured solar panels on the Pentagon and will adhere to the requirements of the Buy American Act in making clean energy procurement decisions. The $104 million project is part of the Biden administration’s effort to promote clean energy and sustainability within the federal government.
Youngkin’s concerns stemmed from the fact that companies influenced or controlled by the Chinese Communist Party dominate the global solar supply chain, prompting him to call for military procurements for solar panels to come from verified domestic manufacturers with trusted supply chains. The Pentagon, however, assured that it has a rigorous oversight process to comply with domestic preference and trade agreement statutes, ensuring that procurement practices follow the law. The defense department is leveraging its purchasing power to support the growth of the U.S. carbon pollution-free energy industry and related allied commercial supply chains to provide clean energy generation to support warfighters.
In response to Youngkin’s concerns, a spokesperson for his office expressed satisfaction that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will be following the recommendation to adopt “Made in America” requirements for procuring Chinese solar panels. The spokesperson emphasized the importance of recognizing China’s objective to dominate the world and the need for America to decouple its renewable energy sector from China to achieve energy independence and safeguard national security. The Pentagon’s commitment to supporting domestic clean energy generation aligns with these objectives and aims to strengthen American energy independence.
The Pentagon’s plan to install solar panels on the rooftop of the Pentagon and other defense department sites, including military installations like the U.S. Army Garrison in Wiesbaden, Germany, is part of a broader effort to promote clean energy and reestablish the federal government as a sustainability leader. The $104 million project aims to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, aligning with the Biden administration’s clean energy goals. By ensuring that procurement practices adhere to domestic preferences and trade agreements, the Pentagon is working to support the growth and resilience of the U.S. clean energy industry.
The Department of Defense’s response to Youngkin’s concerns underscores its commitment to ensuring that clean energy procurement decisions align with domestic requirements and support the U.S. energy industry. By rejecting the use of Chinese-manufactured solar panels and following the Buy American Act, the Pentagon is prioritizing the security and reliability of clean energy sources for military installations. The acknowledgment of China’s dominance in the global solar supply chain highlights the importance of decoupling from foreign influence to protect national security interests and achieve energy independence. Youngkin’s call for American-made solar panels reflects a broader effort to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers in critical sectors such as clean energy.
