The recent identification of “fraudulent communication devices” linked to Chinese solar inverters has sparked renewed examination of Chinese imports as well as the security of domestic electrical systems.
In New Jersey, a state recognized for its support of green energy initiatives, Republican officials from various states are voicing the urgency of addressing this issue. “The recent discovery of these devices highlights a troubling reality. Our essential infrastructure is at risk, and leaders in New Jersey seem to be overlooking this,” stated Sen. Doug Steinhardt, a Republican from Belvidere.
Steinhardt, who previously chaired the state GOP, emphasized that permitting “hostile foreign governments” a route into the U.S. energy infrastructure poses serious national security threats.
In response, three legislative proposals, all backed by Steinhardt, are being put forward to lessen this emerging risk, including measures to restrict the state’s business dealings with certain foreign-owned enterprises.
One of these bills reflects similar policies implemented by Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis concerning Chinese ownership of land near sensitive sites.
These policy developments have arisen from concerns regarding land acquisitions related to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), including a contentious purchase of 380,000 acres in North Dakota, close to the Grand Forks Air Force Base.
Last week, it became public knowledge that a “fraudulent communications device,” which hadn’t been included in the product documentation, was discovered within the solar inverter after being inspected by technicians.
Most solar inverters convert direct current (DC) provided by solar panels and wind turbines into alternating current (AC) for the electrical grid.
While SolarTech generally has safeguards against outside attacks, these findings have raised valid concerns.
“We cannot afford to relinquish control of our energy systems, food supplies, or strategic assets to those who wish us harm. This is the time for decisive action,” Steinhardt declared.
In light of national security issues, a bipartisan group of senators has introduced legislation aimed at reducing dependency on batteries sourced from foreign adversaries.
Sen. Maggie Hassan remarked that “our national security should not depend on components produced by adversaries like China” during the drafting of this legislation alongside Florida Senator Rick Scott.
According to them, this bipartisan measure seeks to safeguard supply chains and national security by ensuring the Department of Homeland Security does not procure batteries from Chinese manufacturers.
Scott, in a statement to Fox News Digital, described the situation as “terrifying,” suggesting that it grants the CCP undue influence over the U.S. electrical grid.
Scott further asserted, “Communist China is an adversary led by a merciless regime aiming to undermine our national security, surveil our citizens, pilfer our technology, and sabotage our economy.” He expressed concern that this administration should not facilitate families or businesses accessing dependent systems linked to such adversaries, prompting the introduction of legislation to restrict reliance on Chinese-made batteries.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Energy Department and Governor Phil Murphy for further comment.
