Direct Lobbying Transparency
| Overall Assessment | Comment | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive | First Solar Inc. demonstrates a high level of transparency in detailing its climate-policy lobbying. It cites numerous identifiable measures it has engaged on, including the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and its embedded Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act, the extension of the U.S. Section 201 solar tariffs, India’s Production Linked Incentive Scheme for PV manufacturing, the EU Net-Zero Industry Act and wider ‘Fit for 55’ package, EU Eco-Design and Energy-Labelling rules for PV, state-level Renewable Portfolio Standards, and several recycling or circular-economy proposals for solar modules. The company is equally explicit about how it lobbies: it notes that it “submitted public comments on the proposed regulation in November 2022,” “worked directly with the State Government of Tamil Nadu,” “engaged EU and national regulators both directly and through trade associations,” and “supported it both directly and indirectly as a member of Solar Power Europe (SPE) … as well as the European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC).” It also describes mechanisms such as regular meetings with legislators and regulators, testimony in integrated-resource-planning proceedings, and contributions made through the First Solar Political Action Committee. Finally, the firm spells out the concrete outcomes it seeks: securing “additional budgetary support” under India’s PLI scheme, achieving “mandatory high-value recycling of PV waste streams,” winning advanced-manufacturing tax credits under Section 45X, “closing Buy American loopholes,” extending the Section 201 tariffs “without a bifacial exemption,” and raising renewable-energy targets in the EU and multiple U.S. states. By naming the specific policies, the methods and targets of engagement, and the precise changes it is advocating, First Solar provides comprehensive visibility into its climate-related lobbying activities. | 4 |