Just days after the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding to open the Strait of Hormuz, Iran announced it was closing the oil gateway once again, bringing further disruptions to shipping throughout the region. Iran has weaponized the Strait for its own strategic advantage, underscoring the larger point that energy security and national security are inseparable.

When oil and natural gas markets are disrupted, countries with strong non-traditional energy industries gain significant leverage. That is why China spent years prioritizing solar manufacturing and why it now dominates much of the global solar supply chain. Beijing stands to benefit whenever countries seek alternatives to volatile oil and gas markets.

Fortunately, the United States is pushing back against this trend. While President Trump has understandably prioritized expanding domestic oil, gas, and coal production, America is also quietly experiencing a solar manufacturing boom that deserves protection.

Read the article.