WT/DS510/2  
 
24 January 2017  
(17-0433) Page: 1/11 
  Original: English  
 
 UNITED STATES – CERTAIN MEASURES REL ATING  
TO THE RENEWABLE ENE RGY SECTOR  
REQUEST FOR THE ESTA BLISHMENT OF A PANEL  BY INDIA  
The following communication, dated 17 January 2017, from the delegation of India to the 
Chairperson of the Dispute Settlement Body, is circulated pursuant to Article 6.2 of the DSU.  
 
_______________  
 
 
On 9 September 2016, the Government of India ( "India") requested consultations with the 
Government of the United States of America ( "U.S.") pursuant to Articles 1 and 4 of the 
Understandi ng on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes  ("DSU"), 
Article  XXIII:1 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994  ("GATT 1994 "), Article 8 of the 
Agreement on Trade -Related Investment Measures  ("TRIMs Agreement "), and Articles 4, 7 and 30 
of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  ("SCM Agreement ") concerning  
certain measures of the U.S. relating to subsidies granted and/or maintained contingent upon 
domestic content requirements in the renewable energy sector. This  request was circulated to the 
WTO Members on 19 September 2016.1 
Consultations were held in Geneva on 16 and 17 November 2016. Unfortunately, the consultations 
failed to resolve the dispute.  
As a result, India requests the Dispute Settlement Body ( "DSB") to establish a Panel to resolve the 
dispute pursuant to Articles 4.7 and 6 of the DSU, Article XXIII of the GATT 1994, Articles 4.4 and 
30 of the SCM Agreement, and Ar ticle 8 of the TRIMs Agreement.  
MEASURES AT ISSUE AND LEGAL BASIS  
The present dispute ari ses from certain measures in the form of incentives which are granted 
and/or maintained contingent upon the use of domestic over imported goods in the renewable 
energy sector by various States of the U.S. at the sub -federal level. A brief description of ea ch of 
these measures and the legal basis of India 's claims are set out below:  
1. Incentives granted and/or maintained contingent upon the use of domestic 
over imported goods under Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Incentive Payment 
Program ( "RECIP ") in the State  of Washington: The measures at issue are the 
incentives provided by the State of Washington for generating renewable energy 
contingent upon the use of domestic over imported goods under the RECIP. The incentives 
are in the nature of investment cost recove ry for each kilowatt -hour from a customer -
generated electricity renewable energy system and payable to any individual, business, 
local governmental entity, not in the light and power business or in the gas distribution 
business, or a participant in a commu nity solar project who applies to the light and power 
business serving the situs of the system for such incentive in terms of the relevant laws.2 
If the customer -generated electricity is produced using certain renewable energy 
                                                
1 See, United States - Certain Measures Relating to the Renewable Energy Sector, Request for 
consultations by India, G/L/1149; G/SCM/D111/1; G/TRIMS/D/42; WT/DS510/1, circulated on 19 September 
2016.  
2 RCW 82.16.120, Section 1(a).  WT/DS510/2  
 
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  equipment (such as solar modu les, solar or wind generator equipped with an inverter, 
anaerobic digesters or other solar equipment or wind generator equipped with blades, 
inverters, wind generator equipment with both blades and inverters, solar stirling 
converters etc., individually an d/or collectively referred to as "the Renewable Energy 
Equipment ") manufactured in the State of Washington, a higher amount of incentive is 
granted.3 A light and power business, in turn, is allowed a credit against taxes due under 
the relevant laws in an a mount equal to investment cost recovery incentive payments 
made in any fiscal year under Revised Code of Washington ( "RCW").   
The said measures under the RECIP are implemented through instruments4 that include, but are 
not limited to, the following, opera ting separately and/or collectively, as well as any amendments, 
modifications, replacements, successor, and extensions thereto, and any implementing measure or 
any other related measures thereto:  
(a) Revised Code of Washington , Renewable Energy System C ost Rec overy, 
RCW 82.16.110 through 82.16.130; and  
 
(b) Washington Administrative Code , Renewable Energy System Cost Recovery , 
WAC 458-20-273.  
 
Legal Basis  
 
India considers that the measures at issue are inconsistent with the obligations of the U.S. under 
the SCM Ag reement, the GATT 1994, and the TRIMs Agreement. In particular, India considers that 
the above measures are inconsistent with the following provisions:  
(a) Articles 3.1(b) and 3.2 of the SCM Agreement because the measures constitute a 
subsidy within the meani ng of Article 1.1 of the SCM Agreement that is granted and/or 
maintained contingent upon the use of domestic over imported goods;  
 
(b) Article III:4  of the GATT 1994 because the measures provide less favourable 
treatment to imported products than that accorde d to like products (i.e. the Renewable 
Energy Equipment) originating in the State of Washington, U.S.;  
 
(c) Article 2.1 of the TRIMs Agreement, separately and in conjunction with Article 2.2 and 
with paragraph 1(a) of the Agreement's Illustrative List, because  the measures are 
TRIMs that are inconsistent with Article III:4 of the GATT 1994; and because the 
measures offer an advantage based on the purchase or use of products originating in 
or sourced from the State of Washington, U.S.; and  
 
(d) Article 25 of the SCM  Agreement because the U.S. has failed to notify the measures.  
 
Further, India considers that the measures of the U.S., individually and/or collectively, nullify or 
impair benefits accruing to India directly or indirectly under the cited Agreements in a m anner 
described in Article XXIII:1 of the GATT 1994.  
 
2. Incentives granted and/or maintained contingent upon the use of domestic 
over imported goods under Self -Generation Incentive Program ( "SGIP ") in the 
State of California : The measures at issue are the ad ditional financial incentives5 of 20%  
provided for installation of eligible distributed generation or Advanced Energy Storage 
technologies (as identified in the SGIP Handbook 2016) (individually and/or collectively 
referred to as "the SGIP Equipment ") fro m a "California Supplier " (i.e. any sole 
proprietorship, partnership, joint venture, corporation, or other business entity that 
manufactures eligible distributed generation technologies in California and that meets the 
criteria outlined in Section 3.1.1 of  SGIP Handbook 2016).  
                                                
3 RCW 82.16.120, Section 4 read with WAC 458 -20-273, Section 501.  
4 In thi s document, a reference to the term "instruments " means and includes laws, statutes, 
regulations, notifications, circulars, guidelines, manuals, handbooks and such other documents as may be 
relevant in each case.  
5 For the rate of financial incentives ($/W ), please refer to SGIP Handbook (February, 2016), in 
particular, Section 3.1.   WT/DS510/2  
 
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  The measures under the SGIP are implemented through instruments that include, but are not 
limited to, the following, operating separately and/or collectively, as well as any amendments, 
modifications, replacements, successor, and exte nsions thereto, and any implementing measure or 
any other related measures thereto:  
 
(a) California Public Utilities Code , Division 1, Part 1, Chapter 2.3, Article 6 (Sections 360 
– 380.5); and  
 
(b) Self Generation Incentive Program Handbook, 2016 (8 February, 201 6) (including, in 
particular, Section 3.1.1).  
Legal Basis  
 
India considers that the measures at issue are inconsistent with the obligations of the U.S. under 
the SCM Agreement, the GATT 1994 and the TRIMs Agreement. In particular, India considers that 
the measures are inconsistent  with the following provisions:  
(a) Articles 3.1(b) and 3.2 of the SCM Agreement because the measures constitute a 
subsidy within the meaning of Article 1.1 of the SCM Agreement that is granted and/or 
maintained contingent upon the use  of domestic over imported goods;  
 
(b) Article III:4  of the GATT 1994 because the measures provide less favourable 
treatment to imported products than that accorded to like products (i.e. the SGIP 
Equipment) originating in the State of California, U.S.;  
 
(c) Article 2.1 of the TRIMs Agreement, separately and in conjunction with Article 2.2 and 
with paragraph 1(a) of the Agreement's Illustrative List, because the measures are 
TRIMs that are inconsistent with Article III:4 of the GATT 1994; and because the 
measures offer an advantage based on the purchase or use of products originating in 
or sourced from the State of California, U.S.; and  
 
(d) Article 25 of the SCM Agreement because the U.S. has failed to notify the measures.  
 
Further, India considers that the measures  of the U.S., individually and/or collectively, nullify or 
impair benefits accruing to India directly or indirectly under the cited Agreements in a manner 
described in Article XXIII:1 of the GATT 1994.  
 
3. Incentives granted and/or maintained contingent upon the use of domestic 
over imported  goods under Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's 
("LADWP ") Solar Incentive Program in the State of California:  The measures at 
issue are the incentives provided in the form of the  Los Angeles Manufacturing Credit 
("LAMC ") for qualifying and approved photovoltaic ( "PV") equipment manufactured in Los 
Angeles (individually and/or collectively referred to as "the PV Equipment ") that has 
confirmed LADWP Solar Incentive Program reservation. The Net Energy Metering and Sola r 
Photovoltaic Incentive Program Guidelines, 2015  provide that the goal of the LAMC is to 
promote local  economic development through manufacturing and job creation within the 
City of Los  Angeles.  
The measures under the LADWP Solar Incentive Program are imp lemented through instruments 
that include, but are not limited to, the following, operating separately and/or collectively, as well 
as any amendments, modifications, replacements, successor, and extensions thereto, and any 
implementing measure or any other  related measures thereto:  
 
(a) Senate Bill 1 , Chapter 132, An act to add Sections 25405.5 and 25405.6 to, and to add 
Chapter 8.8 (commencing with Section 25780) to Division 15 of, the Public Resources 
Code, and to amend Section 2827 of, and to add Sections 38 7.5 and 2851 to, the 
Public Utilities Code, relating to solar electricity (Approved 2006) (see also, Sections 
25405.5 and 25405.6 of the Public Resources Code ( "PRC"); PRC, Division 15, Chapter 
8.8, Sections 25780 through 25784; Public Utilities Code, Divi sion 1, Part 2, Chapter 7, 
Article 3, Section 2827;  Public Utilities Code, Division 1, Part 2, Chapter 9, Article 1, 
Section 2851 - 2854.5; and Cal. Pub. Util. Code §387.5; and  WT/DS510/2  
 
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  (b) Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Net Energy Metering and Solar 
Photo voltaic Incentive Program Guidelines  (4 December, 2015), (including, in 
particular, Section 8);  
 
Legal Basis  
 
India considers that the measures at issue are inconsistent with the obligations of the U.S. under 
the SCM Agreement, the GATT 1994 and the TRIMs  Agreement. In particular, India considers that 
the measures are inconsistent with the following provisions:  
(a) Articles 3.1(b) and 3.2 of the SCM Agreement because the measures constitute a 
subsidy within the meaning of Article 1.1 of the SCM Agreement that  is granted and/or 
maintained contingent upon the use of domestic over imported goods;  
 
(b) Article III:4  of the GATT 1994 because the measures provide less favourable 
treatment to imported products than that accorded to like products originating (i.e. the 
PV Equipment) in the City of Los Angeles, U.S.;  
 
(c) Article 2.1 of the TRIMs Agreement, separately and in conjunction with Article 2.2 and 
with paragraph 1(a) of the Agreement's Illustrative List, because the measures are 
TRIMs that are inconsistent with Articl e III:4 of the GATT 1994; and because the 
measures offer an advantage based on the purchase or use of products originating in 
or sourced from the City of Los Angeles, U.S.; and  
 
(d) Article 25 of the SCM Agreement because the U.S. has failed to notify the mea sures.  
 
Further, India considers that the measures of the U.S., individually and/or collectively, nullify or 
impair benefits accruing to India directly or indirectly under the cited Agreements in a manner 
described in Article XXIII:1 of the GATT 1994.  
  
4. Incentives granted and/or maintained contingent upon the use of domestic 
over imported goods under Montana Tax Incentive for Ethanol Production 
("TIEP ") in the State  of Montana : The measures at issue are  tax incentives provided to 
ethanol distributors for di stilling alcohol, if the ethanol is produced in Montana from 
Montana agricultural products, including Montana wood or wood products (individually 
and/or collectively referred to as "the Ethanol Products ")6. If the producer uses non -
Montana agricultural pro ducts, the amount of the tax incentive is reduced proportionately, 
based on the percentage of non -Montana based agricultural or wood products used in the 
ethanol production.  
The measures under the TIEP are implemented through legal instruments that includ e, but are not 
limited to, the following, operating separately and/or collectively, as well as any amendments, 
modifications, replacements, successor, and extensions thereto, and any implementing measure or 
any other related measures thereto:  
 
(a) Montana Anno tated Code, 2015 , Title 15 - Taxation, Chapter 70 - Gasoline and Vehicle 
Fuel Taxes, Part 5 - Ethanol Tax Incentive and Administration, 15 -70-501 to 15 -70-
527 (including, in particular, 15 -70-522); and  
 
(b) Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) , Department – Transportation, Chapter – Motor 
Fuels – Gasoline Tax, Subchapter – Alcohol Tax Incentive, 18.9.601 to 18.9.608.  
 
Legal Basis  
 
India considers that the measures at issue are inconsistent with the obligations of the U.S. under 
the SCM Agreement, the GATT 1994  and the TRIMs Agreement. In particular, India considers that 
the measures are inconsistent with the following provisions:  
                                                
6 India considers that the the term "Ethanol Products " includes, individually and/or collectively, ethanol 
manufactured from Montana agricultural products including Montan a woo d or wood products and the 
agricultural products, wood and wood products produced in Montana which are used for production of ethanol.  WT/DS510/2  
 
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  (a) Articles 3.1(b) and 3.2 of the SCM Agreement because the measures constitute a 
subsidy within the meaning of Article 1.1 of the SCM Agreement that is granted and/or 
maintained contingent upon the use of domestic over imported goods;  
 
(b) Article III:4  of the GATT 1994 because the measures provide less favourable 
treatment to imported products than that accorded to like products (i.e. the Ethanol 
Products) originating in the State of Montana, U.S.;  
 
(c) Article 2.1 of the TRIMs Agreement, separately and in conjunction with Article 2.2 and 
with paragraph 1(a) of the Agreement's Illustrative List, because the measures are 
TRIMs that are inconsist ent with Article III:4 of the GATT 1994; and because the 
measures offer an advantage based on the purchase or use of products originating in 
or sourced from the State of Montana, U.S.; and  
 
(d) Article 25 of the SCM Agreement because the U.S. has failed to not ify the measures.  
 
Further, India considers that the measures of the U.S., individually and/or collectively, nullify or 
impair benefits accruing to India directly or indirectly under the cited Agreements in a manner 
described in Article XXIII:1 of the GAT T 1994.  
 
5. Incentives granted and/or maintained contingent upon the use of domestic 
over imported goods under Montana Tax Credit for Biodiesel Blending and 
Storage in the State of Montana : The measures at issue are tax credits available for 
any individual an d/or juridical entity for biodiesel blending and storage in respect of the 
costs of investment in depreciable property used for storing or blending biodiesel made 
entirely from Montana -produced feedstock (individually and/or collectively referred to as 
"the Biodiesel Products ")7, with petroleum diesel for sale.  
The measures under the 'Montana Tax Credit for Biodiesel Blending and Storage ' program are 
implemented through instruments that include, but are not limited to, the following, operating 
separately o r collectively, as well as any amendments, modifications, replacements, successor, 
and extensions thereto, and any implementing measure or any other related measures thereto:  
 
(a) Montana Annotated Code, 2015, Title 15, Chapter 32, Part 7, Section 15 -32-703. 
 
Legal Basis  
 
India considers that the measures at issue are inconsistent with the obligations of the U.S. under 
the SCM Agreement, the GATT 1994 and the TRIMs Agreement.  In particular, India considers that 
the measures are inconsistent with the following provisions:  
(a) Articles 3.1(b) and 3.2 of the SCM Agreement because the measures constitute a 
subsidy within the meaning of Article 1.1 of the SCM Agreement that is granted and/or 
maintained contingent upon the use of domestic over imported goods;  
 
(b) Article I II:4  of the GATT 1994 because the measures provide less favourable 
treatment to imported products than that accorded to like products (i.e. the Biodiesel 
Products) originating in the State of Montana, U.S.;  
 
(c) Article 2.1 of the TRIMs Agreement, separately and in conjunction with Article 2.2 and 
with paragraph 1(a) of the Agreement's Illustrative List, because the measures are 
TRIMs that are inconsistent with Article III:4 of the GATT 1994; and because the 
measures offer an advantage based on the purchase or  use of products originating in 
or sourced from the State of Montana, U.S.; and  
 
(d) Article 25 of the SCM Agreement because the U.S. has failed to notify the measures.  
                                                
7 India considers that the term "Biodiesel Products " includes, individually and/or collectively, biodiesel 
made from Mont ana-produced feedstock and feedstock produced in Montana that is used for manufacturing 
biodiesel.  WT/DS510/2  
 
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  Further, India considers that the measures of the U.S., individually and/or collectively, n ullify or 
impair benefits accruing to India directly or indirectly under the cited Agreements in a manner 
described in Article XXIII:1 of the GATT 1994.  
 
6. Incentives granted and/or maintained contingent upon the use of domestic 
over imported goods through r efund for Taxes paid on Biodiesel by Distributor or 
Retailer in the State of Montana: The measures at issue are the refunds of the special 
fuel tax on biodiesel permissible for licensed distributors who use biodiesel made entirely 
from ingredients produced  in Montana (individually and/or collectively referred to as "the 
Biodiesel Ingredients ")8. Additionally, the owner or operator of a retail motor fuel outlet 
may claim a refund on biodiesel on which the special fuel tax has been paid and that is 
purchased from a licensed distributor if the biodiesel is made entirely from biodiesel 
ingredients produced in the State of Montana ( "the Biodiesel Ingredients ").  
The measures under the 'Refund for Taxes paid on Biodiesel by Distributor or Retailer ' program are 
implemented through instruments that include, but are not limited to, the following, operating 
separately or collectively, as well as any amendments, modifications, replacements, successor, 
and extensions thereto, and any implementing measure or any other rel ated measures thereto:  
 
(a) Montana Annotated Code, 2015, Title 15 - Taxation, Chapter 70 - Gasoline and Vehicle 
Fuel Taxes, Part 4 - Gasoline and Special Fuel Tax, Section 15 -70-401; and  
 
(b) Montana Annotated Code, 2015, Title 15 - Taxation, Chapter 70 - Gasoline a nd Vehicle 
Fuel Taxes, Part 4 - Gasoline and Special Fuel Tax, Section 15 -70-433. 
 
Legal Basis  
 
India considers that the measures at issue are inconsistent with the obligations of the U.S. under 
the SCM Agreement, the GATT 1994 and the TRIMs Agreement. In p articular, India considers that 
the measures are inconsistent with the following provisions:  
(a) Articles 3.1(b) and 3.2 of the SCM Agreement because the measures constitute a 
subsidy within the meaning of Article 1.1 of the SCM Agreement that is granted and/ or 
maintained contingent upon the use of domestic over imported goods;  
 
(b) Article III:4  of the GATT 1994 because the measures provide less favourable 
treatment to imported products than that accorded to like products (i.e. the Biodiesel 
Ingredients) origina ting in the State of Montana, U.S.;  
 
(c) Article 2.1 of the TRIMs Agreement, separately and in conjunction with Article 2.2 and 
with paragraph 1(a) of the Agreement's Illustrative List, because the measures are 
TRIMs that are inconsistent with Article III:4 of  the GATT 1994; and because the 
measures offer an advantage based on the purchase or use of products originating in 
or sourced from the State of Montana, U.S.; and  
 
(d) Article 25 of the SCM Agreement because the U.S. has failed to notify the measures.  
 
Furthe r, India considers that the measures of the U.S., individually and/or collectively, nullify or 
impair benefits accruing to India directly or indirectly under the cited Agreements in a manner 
described in Article XXIII:1 of the GATT 1994.  
 
7. Incentives grante d and/or maintained contingent upon the use of domestic 
over imported goods under Connecticut Residential Solar Investment Program 
("CRSIP ") in the State of Connecticut : CRSIP is implemented by, among others, 
Connecticut Green Bank and Public Utilities Reg ulatory Authority. The measures at issue 
are the provision of incentives of up to five per cent of "the then -applicable incentive " 
provided under the relevant instrument for the use of major system components 
                                                
8 India considers that the term "Biodiesel Ingredients " includes, individually and/or collectively, biodiesel 
made entirely from ingredients produced in Mont ana and the ingredients (used for manufacturing biodiesel) 
produced in Montana.  WT/DS510/2  
 
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  manufactured or assembled in Connecticut.9 Further, another additional incentive of up to 
five per cent of "the then -applicable incentive " is provided for the use of major system 
components manufactured or assembled in a "distressed municipality " or "a targeted 
investment community "10 (individually and/ or collectively referred to as "the Connecticut 
System Components "11). 
The measures under the CRSIP are implemented through legal instruments that include, but are 
not limited to, the following, operating separately and/or collectively, as well as any amend ments, 
modifications, replacements, successor, and extensions thereto, and any implementing measure or 
any other related measures thereto:  
 
(a) 2016 Supplement to the General Statutes of Connecticut , Title 16, Chapter 283, 
Sections 16 -245ff and 16 -245gg;  
 
(b) State of Connecticut Public Act No. 15 -194, House Bill No. 6838, an Act Concerning the 
Encouragement of Local Economic Development and Access to Residential Renewable 
Energy;  
 
(c) State of Connecticut Public Act No 11 -80, Senate Bill No. 1243 , an Act Concerning t he 
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Planning for Connecticut's 
Energy Future; and  
 
(d) Request for Qualifications for Eligible Contractors and Third -Party PV System Owners 
(2016) . 
 
Legal Basis  
 
India considers that the measures at issue ar e inconsistent with the obligations of the U.S. under 
the SCM Agreement, the GATT 1994 and the TRIMs Agreement. In particular, India considers that 
the measures are inconsistent with the following provisions:  
(a) Articles 3.1(b) and 3.2 of the SCM Agreement b ecause the measures constitute a 
subsidy within the meaning of Article 1.1 of the SCM Agreement that is granted and/or 
maintained contingent upon the use of domestic over imported goods;  
 
(b) Article III:4  of the GATT 1994 because the measures provide less fa vourable 
treatment to imported products than that accorded to like products (i.e. Connecticut 
System Components) originating in the State of Connecticut, U.S.;  
 
(c) Article 2.1 of the TRIMs Agreement, separately and in conjunction with Article 2.2 and 
with par agraph 1(a) of the Agreement's Illustrative List, because the measures are 
TRIMs that are inconsistent with Article III:4 of the GATT 1994; and because the 
measures offer an advantage based on the purchase or use of products originating in 
or sourced from the State of Connecticut, U.S.; and  
 
(d) Article 25 of the SCM Agreement because the U.S. has failed to notify the measures.  
 
Further, India considers that the measures of the U.S., individually and/or collectively, nullify or 
impair benefits accruing to India  directly or indirectly under the cited Agreements in a manner 
described in Article XXIII:1 of the GATT 1994.  
 
8. Incentives granted and/or maintained contingent upon the use of domestic 
over imported goods through the Renewable Energy Credits in the State of  
Michigan : The measures at issue are the renewable energy credits offered for each 
megawatt hour of electricity generated from a renewable energy system constructed using 
equipment made in the State of Michigan. Further, renewable energy credits are also 
                                                
9 See, 2016 Supplement to the General Statutes of Connecticut, Tit le 16, Chapter 283, 
Sections  16-245ff.   
10 Id. 
11 India considers that the term "Connecticut System Components " includes, individually and/or 
collectively, the major system components manufactured or assembled in Connecticut and major system 
components manufactured or assembled in a "distressed municipality " or "a targeted investment community ".  WT/DS510/2  
 
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  offered for each megawatt hour of electricity generated from a renewable energy system 
constructed using a workforce composed of residents of the State of Michigan (individually 
and/or collectively referred to as "the Renewable Energy System and Equipment ")12. The 
renewable energy credits may be traded, sold or otherwise transferred.  
The measures under this program are implemented through instruments that include, but are not 
limited to, the following, operating separately and/or collectively, as well as any  amendments, 
modifications, replacements, successor, and extensions thereto, and any implementing measure or 
any other related measures thereto:  
 
(a) The Clean, Renewable and Efficient Energy Act, Public Act No. 295 of 2008; including, 
in particular , Sections 21, 27, 39(2), 41 and 71; and  
 
(b) The Rate Book for Electric Service adopted by Consumers Energy Company and 
approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission under the  Experimental 
Advanced Renewable Energy Program,  including, in particular, C.10.3 . 
 
Legal Basis  
 
India considers that the measures at issue are inconsistent with the obligations of the U.S. under 
the SCM Agreement, the GATT 1994 and the TRIMs Agreement. In particular, India considers that 
the measures are inconsistent with following provisions:   
(a) Articles 3.1(b) and 3.2 of the SCM Agreement because the measures constitute a 
subsidy within the meaning of Article 1.1 of the SCM Agreement that is granted and/or 
maintained contingent upon the use of domestic over imported goods;  
 
(b) Article III:4  of th e GATT 1994 because the measures provide less favourable 
treatment to imported products than that accorded to like products (i.e. the Renewable 
Energy System and Equipment) originating in the State of Michigan, U.S.;  
 
(c) Article 2.1 of the TRIMs Agreement, se parately and in conjunction with Article 2.2 and 
with paragraph 1(a) of the Agreement's Illustrative List, because the measures are 
TRIMs that are inconsistent with Article III:4 of the GATT 1994; and because the 
measures offer an advantage based on the pu rchase or use of products originating in 
or sourced from the State of Michigan, U.S.; and  
 
(d) Article 25 of the SCM Agreement because the U.S. has failed to notify the measures.  
 
Further, India considers that the measures of the U.S., individually and/or col lectively, nullify or 
impair benefits accruing to India directly or indirectly under the cited Agreements in a manner 
described in Article XXIII:1(a) and/or Article XXIII:1(b) of the GATT 1994.  
 
9. Incentives granted and/or maintained contingent upon the use of domestic 
over imported goods through the Delaware Solar Renewable Energy Credits in 
the State of Delaware : The measures at issue are that a retail electricity supplier is 
eligible to receive an additional 10% credit toward meeting the renewable energy p ortfolio 
standards established for solar or wind energy installations sited in Delaware provided that 
a minimum of 50% of the cost of renewable energy equipment, inclusive of mounting 
components, are manufactured in Delaware (individually and/or collective ly referred to as 
"the Renewable Energy Equipment and Mounting Components ")13. Further, a retail 
electricity supplier is eligible to receive an additional 10% credit toward meeting the 
renewable energy portfolio standards for solar or wind energy installati ons sited in 
Delaware provided that the facility is constructed and/or installed with a minimum of 75% 
in-state workforce. The renewable energy credits are tradable instruments.  
                                                
12 India considers  that the term "Renewable Energy System " includes, individually and/or collectively, 
the renewable energy systems which are constructed using equipment made in the State of Michigan and/or 
using a workforce composed of residents of the State of Michigan an d those equipment (used for constructing 
the renewable energy system) made in the State of Michigan.  
13 India considers that the term "Renewable Energy Equipment and Mounting Components " includes, 
individually and/or collectively, renewable energy equipmen t, inclusive of mounting components manufactured 
in Delaware, and equipment used for constructing a facility using Delaware in -State workforce.  WT/DS510/2  
 
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  The measures under this program/measure are implemented through instruments th at include, but 
are not limited to, the following, operating separately and/or collectively, as well as any 
amendments, modifications, replacements, successor, and extensions thereto, and any 
implementing measure or any other related measures thereto:  
 
(a) Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards Act , 2005 as incorporated in  Delaware Code , 
Title 26, Chapter 1, Subchapter III -A (including, in particular, Section 356);  
 
(b) Rules and Procedure to Implement the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard , Delaware 
Public Service Commission (December, 2012).  
 
Legal Basis  
 
India considers that the measures at issue are inconsistent with the obligations of the U.S. under 
the SCM Agreement, the GATT 1994, the TRIMs Agreement and the Marrakesh Agreement. In 
particular, India considers that the measures are inconsistent with the following provisions:  
(a) Articles 3.1(b) and 3.2 of the SCM Agreement because the measures constitute a 
subsidy within the meaning of Article 1.1 of the SCM Agreement that is granted and/or 
maintained contingent up on the use of domestic over imported goods;  
 
(b) Article III:4  of GATT 1994 because the measures provide less favourable treatment to 
imported products than that accorded to like products (i.e. the Renewable Energy 
Equipment and Mounting Components) originati ng in the State of Delaware, U.S.;  
 
(c) Article 2.1 of the TRIMs Agreement, separately and in conjunction with Article 2.2 and 
with paragraph 1(a) of the Agreement's Illustrative List, because the measures are 
TRIMs that are inconsistent with Article III :4 of  the GATT 1994; and because the 
measures offer an advantage based on the purchase or use of products originating in 
or sourced from the State of Delaware, U.S.; and  
 
(d) Article 25 of the SCM Agreement because the U.S. has failed to notify the measures.  
 
Furth er, India considers that the measures of the U.S., individually and/or collectively, nullify or 
impair benefits accruing to India directly or indirectly under the cited Agreements in a manner 
described in Article XXIII:1(a) and/or Article XXIII:1(b) of the  GATT 1994.  
 
10. Incentives granted and/or maintained contingent upon the use of domestic 
over imported goods under Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Program ( "MSIP ") 
in the State of Minnesota : The measures at issue are the: (i) incentives (which are in 
the na ture of  performance -based financial incentive expressed as a per kilowatt -hour 
amount ) offered if the solar photovoltaic modules qualify as "Made in Minnesota "; (ii) 
rebates offered to owners of a qualified property for installing solar photovoltaic modul es 
manufactured in Minnesota; and (iii) rebates offered for the installation of "Made in 
Minnesota " solar thermal systems. The equipment mentioned at (i), (ii), and (iii) above is 
individually and/or collectively referred to as "the Minnesota Equipment "14.  
The measures under the MSIP are implemented through instruments that include, but are not 
limited to, the following, operating separately or collectively, as well as any amendments, 
modifications, replacements, successor, and extensions thereto, and any i mplementing measure or 
any other related measures thereto:  
 
(a) Minnesota Statute (2016), including, in particular, MINN. STAT. 216C.411 through 
216C.416, and MINN. STAT. 116C.7791.  
                                                
14 India considers that the term "Minnesota Equipment " includes, individually and/or collectively, solar 
photovol taic modules and solar thermal systems which are "Made in Minnesota " as defined under the relevant 
statute.  WT/DS510/2  
 
- 10 - 
 
  Legal Basis  
India considers that the measures at issue are inconsistent with the obligations of the U.S. under 
the SCM Agreement, the GATT 1994 and the TRIMs Agreement. In particular, India considers that 
the measures are inconsistent with the following provisions:  
(a) Articles 3.1(b) and 3.2 of the SCM Agreement because the measures constitute a 
subsidy within the meaning of Article 1.1 of the SCM Agreement that is granted and/or 
maintained contingent upon the use of domestic over imported goods;  
 
(b) Article III:4  of the GATT 1994 because the measures provide less favourable 
treatment t o imported products than that accorded to like products (i.e. the Minnesota 
Equipment) originating in the State of Minnesota, U.S.;  
 
(c) Article 2.1 of the TRIMs Agreement, separately and in conjunction with Article 2.2 and 
with paragraph 1(a) of the Agreement 's Illustrative List, because the measures are 
TRIMs that are inconsistent with Article III:4 of the GATT 1994; and because the 
measures offer an advantage based on the purchase or use of products originating in 
or sourced from the State of Minnesota, U.S. ; and  
 
(d) Article 25 of the SCM Agreement because the U.S. has failed to notify the measures.  
 
Further, India considers that the measures of the U.S., individually and/or collectively, nullify or 
impair benefits accruing to India directly or indirectly under  the cited Agreements in a manner 
described in Article XXIII:1 of the GATT 1994.  
 
11. Incentives granted and/or maintained contingent upon the use of domestic 
over imported goods under Massachusetts Clean Energy Centre's Commonwealth 
Solar Hot Water Program, ( "CSHWP ") in the State of Massachusetts : The program 
is administered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Centre which provides certain rebates 
to reduce the upfront cost of installing a solar hot water system. The measures at issue 
are rebates available for b oth residential -scale and commercial -scale projects if the 
installed system has eligible Massachusetts manufactured components (individually and/or 
collectively referred to as "the Installed System and Massachusetts Components ")15. To 
qualify, the applicant  is required  to provide evidence that the solar hot water system uses 
components from one of the qualified companies that manufactures in Massachusetts.  
The measures under the CSHWP are implemented through instruments that include, but are not 
limited to, the following, operating separately or collectively, as well as any amendments, 
modifications, replacements, successor, and extensions thereto, and any implementing measure or 
any other related measures thereto:  
 
(a) General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massach usetts , Part I, Title II, Chapter 23J, 
Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Centre;  
 
(b) Session Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts , An Act Relative to Green Jobs in 
the Commonwealth, Chapter 307 of the Acts of 2008;  
 
(c) Massachusetts Clean Energy Centre,  Residential and Small Scale Solar Hot Water 
Program Manual  (February, 2016) (including, in particular, Paragraph 2.7); and  
 
(d) Massachusetts Clean Energy Centre, Commercial Scale Solar Hot Water Program 
Manual  (February, 2016) (including, in particular, Para graph 2.7).  
                                                
15 India considers that the term "Installed System and Massachusetts Components " includes, individually 
and/or collectively, the installed systems h aving eligible Massachusetts manufactured components and the 
Massachusetts components used in manufacturing the installed system.  WT/DS510/2  
 
- 11 - 
 
  Legal Basis  
 
India considers that the measures at issue are inconsistent with the obligations of the U.S. under 
the SCM Agreement, the GATT 1994 and the TRIMs Agreement. In particular, India considers that 
the measures are inconsistent with the  following provisions:  
(a) Articles 3.1(b) and 3.2 of the SCM Agreement because the measures constitute a 
subsidy within the meaning of Article 1.1 of the SCM Agreement that is granted and/or 
maintained contingent upon the use of domestic over imported goods;  
 
(b) Article III:4  of the GATT 1994 because the measures provide less favourable 
treatment to imported products than that accorded to like products (i.e. the Installed 
System and Massachusetts Components) originating in the State of Massachusetts, 
U.S.; 
 
(c) Article 2.1 of the TRIMs Agreement, separately and in conjunction with Article 2.2 and 
with paragraph 1(a) of the Agreement's Illustrative List, because the measures are 
TRIMs that are inconsistent with Article III:4 of the GATT 1994; and because the 
measures  offer an advantage based on the purchase or use of products originating in 
or sourced from the State of Massachusetts, U.S.; and  
 
(d) Article 25 of the SCM Agreement because the U.S. has failed to notify the measures.  
 
Further, India considers that the measu res of the U.S., individually and/or collectively, nullify or 
impair benefits accruing to India directly or indirectly under the cited Agreements in a manner 
described in Article XXIII:1 of the GATT 1994.  
Accordingly, India requests the DSB to establish a Panel with standard terms of reference in 
accordance with Article 7.1 of the DSU.  
India asks that this request be placed on the agenda of the regular DSB meeting scheduled on 
22nd February 2017.  
__________