The United States International Trade Commission decided yesterday to move forward with Suniva’s Section 201 filing, now called Investigation No. TA-201-75.

The goal of the investigation will be “to determine whether crystalline silicon photovoltaic (‘CSPV’) cells (whether or not partially or fully assembled into other products) are being imported into the United States in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause of serious injury, or the threat thereof, to the domestic industry producing an article like or directly competitive with the imported articles.”

The commission will now work to determine if there is injury by the deadline of September 22. It will hold a hearing on injury on August 15, and if injury is determined, it will hold a hearing on remedies on October 3.

Those interested in appearing at the hearings can file requests in writing with the Secretary to the Commission on or before August 9 for the injury hearing, and September 27 for the remedy hearing. People can also submit pre-hearing briefs to the committee by August 8.

Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of SEIA, issued a statement condemning the move:

“The International Trade Commission’s decision to consider Suniva’s petition for a lifeline could be bad news for hundreds of thousands of American workers in the solar industry and may jeopardize billions of dollars in investment in communities across the country. Setting high price floors and exorbitant tariffs is a blunt instrument that would cripple one of the brightest spots in America’s economy.

“While we respect the ITC’s decision to evaluate this claim on its merits, SEIA will remain at the forefront of the opposition to Suniva’s requested remedies. We encourage all members of the solar industry to assist the ITC if asked for information and to work with us to ensure your voice is heard. Our goal throughout this proceeding will remain focused on developing more equitable and sustainable ways to boost American solar manufacturing that benefit many companies instead of just a few and allows the entire solar industry to continue to grow in this country.”