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The 6 Best Orthopedic Dog Beds For Pups Of All Ages And Sizes
The 6 Best Orthopedic Dog Beds For Pups Of All Ages And Sizes

Forbes

time3 days ago

  • Health
  • Forbes

The 6 Best Orthopedic Dog Beds For Pups Of All Ages And Sizes

Not every dog bed labeled "orthopedic" actually supports your dog's joints. The best orthopedic dog beds use high-quality memory foam designed specifically to relieve pressure from sensitive areas like your pup's hips, elbows and spine, without flattening after a few months of use. Beds like the Casper Dog Bed, our top pick overall, evenly distribute your dog's weight and provide comfort that standard beds simply can't match—especially for senior dogs, large breeds or pups recovering from surgery. The best orthopedic dog beds, from brands like Casper, Orvis and more, can protect your pup's joints ... More and help them rest more comfortably. If you're wondering whether your dog needs better support, start by observing their sleep habits. 'Discomfort may not always be obvious," says Dr. Jennifer Bruns, veterinarian at PetSmart Veterinary Services. "Dogs may avoid their bed entirely or prefer lying on the floor if the bed is not supportive enough.' Small behavioral clues like these can reveal if your pup would benefit from an orthopedic upgrade. To help you choose a dog bed that's right for them, we've included a range of tested and expert-approved picks, like the Orvis RecoveryZone ToughChew Couch Dog Bed, which is durable enough to survive dogs who might normally shred up a bed in days, and the Sealy Lux Pet Dog Bed, designed specifically to keep pups cool. Whatever your dog's needs, the right orthopedic bed can noticeably improve how comfortably they sleep and the ease with which they move afterward. Casper Sleep Type: Bolstered rectangle | Sizes: 3 | Colors: 3, including Gray, Blue and Sand | Outer material: Nylon, polyester and olefin microfiber | Inner material: Memory foam, polyurethane support foam | Washable cover: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: Many of the dog beds we've tested feel comfortable at first but start sinking and losing their support after just a few months. Casper's bed solves this problem with two layers of foam: a sturdy polyurethane foam base that gives the bed structure and keeps your dog properly elevated, plus a memory foam layer on top that cushions joints and evenly distributes weight. Forbes Vetted senior mattress editor Bridget Chapman says her dog has slept on the Casper bed daily for more than a year, and it still feels just as firm and supportive as it did on day one. (Her pup still loves it, too.) The Casper also has firm foam bolsters around the edges, which provide dogs with a cozy spot to rest their heads or curl up against. Its cover is soft, durable and easy to unzip and toss in the washing machine (though it does take a little more effort to get back on), and the zippers tuck neatly into hidden pockets so they won't scratch your floors. There's also some slightly loose fabric on top, which is intentionally designed for dogs who like to paw and dig around before getting comfy; it's made from tough, bonded microfiber that doesn't easily rip, even if your pup makes digging a regular habit. (Though if something does happen, replacement covers are sold separately.) Forbes Vetted managing editor Emmy Favilla says her dog often takes advantage of this feature, happily pawing at the material before settling in for a nap. And because it has a clean, understated look, the Casper blends easily into just about any room—something our editors have appreciated after months, or even years, of having it in their homes. FurHaven Type: Bolstered rectangle | Sizes: 5 | Colors: 3, including Brownstone and Granite Gray | Outer material: Velvet microfiber | Inner material: Orthopedic foam (convolute, solid or memory foam) | Washable cover: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: Orthopedic dog beds can be expensive, and if you're shopping for a puppy or an older dog, it doesn't always make sense to splurge. That's why I originally bought the FurHaven Sofa Dog Bed—and why I've repurchased it multiple times since. It's less than half the cost of many premium options (under $60 for a large size), but this bed still provides supportive cushioning that gives dogs of all ages the comfort and joint support they need. The foam isn't quite as thick or dense as pricier beds, but even after a few years, it still hasn't flattened down to the floor. FurHaven also lets you choose from a few types of foam, including egg-crate convolute foam, solid orthopedic foam and responsive memory foam, depending on what your dog needs. I've tested multiple versions and found each comfortable and supportive enough for my 50-pound dog (and roomy enough for another 40-pound pup to squeeze in). The soft velvet-like cover washes easily, hides fur very well and hasn't ripped after countless cycles in my machine. Putting the bolsters and foam back inside after cleaning does take a little patience, but that's pretty typical for washable dog beds. Amazon Type: Bolstered rectangle | Sizes: 5 | Colors: 3, including Autumn Brown, Modern Gray and Navy | Outer material: Faux-felt polyester | Inner material: Quad-layer memory foam and cooling gel | Washable cover: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: If your dog overheats easily or struggles to settle comfortably, a cooling orthopedic bed might be particularly beneficial. The Sealy Lux Pet Dog Bed has a four-layer foam design specifically meant to keep dogs cooler and relieve pressure from sensitive joints. The top layer uses cooling gel to draw heat away from your dog's body, which makes a noticeable difference in warm weather. Beneath that, a memory foam layer contours to your dog's shape, and supportive foam underneath keeps your dog elevated off the floor. Another helpful feature is the charcoal-infused bottom layer, which is designed to absorb pet odors and keep the bed fresher between washes. When it is time to clean the bed, the polyester cover zips off easily and can be tossed directly into the washing machine. This bed also has bolstered edges on three sides, giving pups a comfortable place to rest their heads or curl up against something supportive. Meanwhile, the open front makes it easy for older pets, dogs with joint pain or pups recovering from injuries to step in without extra effort. Amazon Type: Bolstered rectangle | Sizes: 8 | Colors: 36 (though not all colors are available in every size), including Gray, Brown and Navy | Outer material: Flannel or plush flannel | Inner material: Egg-crate orthopedic foam | Washable cover: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: Smaller dogs often prefer beds that feel cozy and secure but aren't challenging to climb into. Bedsure's Orthopedic Dog Bed is a great pick for little pups because of its lower entry point and small front opening, a design that makes it easy for small or senior dogs to step in and out without added effort. Its egg-crate foam base is designed to cushion joints and pressure points, so it should feel especially comfortable for older small breeds or dogs recovering from injuries. The bed has four-sided bolsters to create a snug, enclosed space that smaller dogs often find comforting, especially if they like to curl up rather than stretch out. There's also a waterproof liner beneath the removable cover, which protects the foam if your dog has an accident or a spill happens. The soft flannel cover comes in dozens of colors and zips off easily whenever you need to wash it. And the bottom of the bed is designed to be non-slip, so it'll stay in place even on slippery hardwood floors. Chewy Type: Pillow with headrest | Sizes: 3 | Colors: 4, including Burgundy, Khaki and Charcoal Gray | Outer material: Microfiber | Inner material: Orthopedic foam | Washable cover: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: If you have a big dog, you've probably noticed that most dog beds just aren't built to handle their weight. The foam usually feels supportive at first, but within a few months it flattens out and your pup ends up practically lying on the floor. The Big Barker Orthopedic Pillow Dog Bed is designed with thick, mattress-quality foam specifically designed for larger breeds—Favilla says it feels more like lying on a human mattress than a standard dog bed. (Yes, she tested it out herself.) After several months of using the Big Barker at home, her large, arthritic senior dog consistently chose this bed over all the others in the house. Instead of sinking into the foam, large dogs stay comfortably lifted off hard surfaces, and the bed is even strong enough to support two big dogs at once; the XL size easily accommodates a couple of Labs, pit bulls or similar-sized breeds. There's also a raised pillow along one side for extra comfort, so dogs can rest their heads or lean against it without restricting how much they stretch out. Vets often recommend this type of sturdy support to help prevent joint pain, especially in bigger or older dogs. Its microfiber cover is soft, washable and does a good job resisting muddy paw prints, slobber and fur (though, like many of our favorite beds, getting it back on after washing takes a bit of patience). Just keep in mind: This bed is substantial, both in terms of price and floor space. If your dog doesn't need quite this much room, or your home is short on extra space, a smaller option like the Casper might be a better fit. Orvis Type: Bolstered rectangle | Sizes: 3 | Colors: 4, including Brown and Slate | Outer material: Ripstop nylon and polyester | Inner material: Dual-layer orthopedic foam | Washable cover: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: The Orvis RecoveryZone ToughChew Couch Dog Bed is specifically built for pups determined to rip apart everything they sleep on. Unlike typical dog beds, this one has a rugged, upholstery-grade cover reinforced with ripstop nylon beneath—similar to fabric used for backpacks or camping gear—so it's almost impossible for teeth or claws to tear through. Hidden brass zippers and built-in handles are intentionally tucked out of sight, further limiting tempting chew targets. And just in case your dog somehow does manage to chew through it, Orvis backs this bed with a no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee. Inside, the bed is designed to provide strong orthopedic support, with a dense 4-inch foam base and an additional softer layer on top that helps ease pressure from joints and sore muscles. Solid foam bolsters around three sides create a secure space that many dogs naturally gravitate toward, while the front is open for easy access. The washable cover does a surprisingly good job at hiding fur and dirt, and there's a waterproof liner underneath so the foam won't get ruined even if your pup has an accident. It's definitely pricier than other beds, but if you're tired of tossing shredded covers into the trash, the investment makes sense. The Forbes Vetted team is made up of pet parents who regularly research, test and recommend pet products, including the best dog beds, the best dry dog food and the best dog leashes. For this guide to the best orthopedic dog beds, we relied on firsthand experience with many of these beds, plus extensive research and consultations with veterinary experts. To find the best orthopedic dog beds, we combined long-term personal use, in-depth product research and insights from trusted veterinary professionals to ensure each recommendation is worth your investment. Buying an orthopedic dog bed involves more than just choosing one labeled as 'orthopedic.' To ensure your dog benefits from improved joint health and comfort, here's what veterinary experts recommend looking for. The most important feature in an orthopedic dog bed is the foam. Look specifically for high-density memory foam or a multilayered orthopedic foam base that's firm enough to prevent sinking. Bruns says true orthopedic beds 'provide proper joint support and even weight distribution to minimize pressure points on sensitive areas like hips and elbows.' Waggel's resident veterinarian Dr. Aimee Warner adds a simple test: 'Push your hand into the foam," she says. "If it slowly comes back and maintains its shape, you're likely seeing real support and not just marketing.' Bolstered edges around the bed, like those you see on picks like the Casper and Bedsurebeds on this list, aren't just decorative. 'Side bolsters are a welcome addition, especially for dogs who curl up or need head and neck support,' says Warner. But accessibility also matters, particularly for older or mobility-challenged pets. Bruns advises pet owners to choose a bed that's easy for dogs to step onto, noting that low-profile designs without steep edges or high bolsters minimize strain and reduce discomfort. Orthopedic beds typically represent a bigger investment, so it's important that they're both durable and easy to clean. According to Warner, washable covers are essential—especially for older dogs prone to accidents or those recovering from procedures. 'Neglecting to seek out washable covers can be a hygiene nightmare,' she says. Look for beds with removable covers that are machine washable (like every pick on our list) and ideally water-resistant to resist drool, dirt and accidents. Regularly cleaning and occasionally rotating the bed will also help extend its lifespan and keep your dog's sleeping area clean and comfortable.

Your Guide To Fly-Fishing With Dad On Father's Day
Your Guide To Fly-Fishing With Dad On Father's Day

Forbes

time27-05-2025

  • Lifestyle
  • Forbes

Your Guide To Fly-Fishing With Dad On Father's Day

Your dad likes to fly-fish, eh? So did mine. And so did his. (And so do I!) Father's Day makes for a great excuse to get dad out on the water. That the holiday is in the middle of June—arguably the best fishing month of the year—makes it all even better. Tarpon and bonefish are active in Florida. Largemouth bass are ready to crush a popping bug in the southeast. Striped bass are well into their annual migration in the northeast. Smallmouth bass and muskies have come out of hibernation in the Midwest. And trout fishing out west has begun to ramp up and gather steam. So, want to get dad out on the water? Below, a guide to fly-fishing with dad on Father's Day. Nearly every golfer I know spends some time on the range before they play a round. Fly anglers should do the same and practice casting before a trip, even if it means getting dad out there for twenty casts on the lawn in the evenings after work. Orvis has a good series on casting to help dad get primed up. We are blessed with a lot of good fly-fishing podcasts these days. A few suggestions to start with: Mill House, the Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast and Wet Fly Swing. Bonus one which touches on fly-fishing on occasion: Mountain & Prairie. And don't forget books! Thomas McGuane's The Longest Silence is, in my opinion, the best fly-fishing collection out there. For other suggestions, check out this lengthy thread on Reddit. Looking for some concierge-like help to plan your fishing with dad? Cache_Seven is a cool new company that will help you plan your next fishing trip all over the country (they also do skiing, climbing, surfing and other sports). The idea is that you log on, plug in what you want to do and where you want to do it, and a professional guide will help you get ready, with gear and tips and even guide you if so desired. That way, you'll be ready to go when you arrive for your trip. (Prices vary.) More of a DIY person? Might I suggest that you and dad check out some of the fishing on our vast—and priceless—public lands. Some of my favorite public land fishing includes the Cape Cod National Seashore for striped bass, Yellowstone National Park for trout, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for smallmouth bass. The reason to fish the water on the public lands now? Dads, by nature, like to hand things down to their children. One of those things that should be handed down, generation to generation, is our public lands. And these lands are currently under some serious pressure. I'd bet dad would like to join in the fight to keep our public lands in the hands of their owners—us. Trout Unlimited is leading the charge in this fight (check out this landing page) and, in celebration of Father's Day, the organization is giving out complimentary memberships. Good fly-fishing gear does not have to break the bank. I have two recommendations for rods, both priced well below the hot new models (which go for more than $1,000 these days), and a suggestion for a pack. I've long been a fan of G. Loomis fly rods. It's just a high-quality brand, from its trout rods all the way up to its tarpon ones. With the G. Loomis IMX-Pro V2 (from 4-to-8-weights), you get the quality of those hot-shot new rods for only about half the price ($595). IMX-Pro V2 G. Loomis I grew up fishing with an Orvis Superfine (1-to-5 weights, 7'6' to 7'11'). This new iteration of the classic is a reminder of how fun that was. Orvis remade the rod using some of the technology they feature in their (rightly) celebrated Helios rods. It's a great tool for small-stream trout and summer bluegills, at the very good price of $598. Orvis Superfine Orvis Dad is going to need something to hold his flies on the river. The Patagonia Stealth Switch Pack 3L ($59) is a perfect little pack for the days that call for a minimalist approach. It can be worn on your chest or your hip, and features a big zippered pocket for your fly box and smaller one for your leaders. And it has a cool magnet on the top to hold your fly when changing up your rig. Stealth Switch Pack 3L Patagonia Sometimes dad might need a little rum after a day on the water, either to mourn the big one that got away or to celebrate the big one that didn't. Goslings Spirited Seas Limited Edition Rum ($60 for 750 ml) comes with a cool twist: it finishes its aging process with a year at sea (for real), harking back to the very beginnings of the rum trade. You can drink it neat. Or you can check out these recipes if you prefer to mix it up. Goslings Spirited Seas Rum Goslings And for the after-fish grilling session, you can't beat Bear & Burton's W Sauce ($10), a Worcestershire that's made from a recipe that's a century old. Put it on a burger, a brisket or maybe some veggies. (I use it for making salad dressing.) The company is owned by two anglers—Bear Holeman (a guide) and Burton Young (an industry veteran). It's thicker than the Worcestershire you may be used to. It's also tastier. Bear & Burton's W Sauce Bear & Burton's

The jobs and tax credits that could disappear if the ‘big, beautiful' House GOP bill passes
The jobs and tax credits that could disappear if the ‘big, beautiful' House GOP bill passes

Yahoo

time21-05-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

The jobs and tax credits that could disappear if the ‘big, beautiful' House GOP bill passes

House Republicans are proposing to gut energy savings and clean energy tax credits in President Donald Trump's 'big, beautiful' tax bill — funds that are creating thousands of jobs in GOP states and saving homeowners money on their bills. It's all on the chopping block. The House GOP is moving closer to a final vote on Trump's tax package, before it heads to the Senate. If Congress passes the tax bill as it stands, it could cost the US more than 830,000 jobs that would otherwise be created in the coming years, the think tank Energy Innovation found. The impacted jobs are mostly in construction and manufacturing, building factories and components for EVs, wind turbines, solar panels, batteries and other clean energy products — the vast majority of which are in GOP states and districts. It also threatens an eye-popping amount of investment from companies that piggybacked on the passage of the 2022 clean energy bill, also known as the Inflation Reduction Act. 'We're talking about an awful lot of money — approaching a trillion dollars in private sector investment that's either been made or has been planned — that is at risk,' said Robbie Orvis, Energy Innovation's senior director of modeling and analysis. The threatened funds are in the same places the jobs are at risk; nearly 80% of the investment sparked by the law is in Republican areas, according to data from the Rhodium Group and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Bottom line, that's what the new tax bill is, essentially: a repeal of the clean energy provisions in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, according to independent analysis from the two nonpartisan think tanks. 'It's functionally equivalent to a full-out repeal,' Orvis said, adding the current bill proposed by House Republicans is a 'sledgehammer on steroids.' It would hurt Republicans the most. Republicans represent 14 of the top 20 congressional districts that are on the cusp of gaining the most jobs from the law, which was championed by former President Joe Biden. Tennessee, Georgia and the Carolinas, among others, have gained most of the new jobs in electric vehicle and battery manufacturing and could stand to lose the most if tax credits disappear. Rep. Mark Amodei, whose Nevada district alone is poised to gain more than 20,000 jobs in mining, refining and processing lithium for EVs and batteries, previously told CNN that continuing to fund these facilities in his district is 'fundamental.' Orvis said the Republican tax bill could not only hurt future projects, it will likely hurt existing manufacturing facilities as well. 'Some of the proposed language in the (bill) text actually puts existing facilities at risk because they will no longer qualify to receive some of the tax credits that they got financing on,' Orvis said. The cost of electricity for everyday Americans and businesses would also go up; Energy Innovation found wholesale electricity prices would increase by 50% by 2035. This is in large part because solar and wind energy are cheaper than fossil fuels. Rhodium's analysis found the GOP bill would slash the amount of new clean energy on the US electric grid by 57-72% through 2035. Cutting cheaper wind and solar will raise American's energy bills, analysts said. 'You don't worry about (price volatility) with wind and solar; the sun is still free,' Rhodium analyst Ben King told CNN. 'By shifting away from renewables and back to natural gas, you are exposing yourself to price volatility as well.' Some Republican lawmakers have voiced concerns that repealing the tax credits could hurt electricity generation at a time when the US needs more power than ever. The AI boom is gobbling up electricity for data centers, and companies are on the hunt for electrons wherever they can find them. That's the central argument solar CEOs have been making to Republican lawmakers as they've pleaded with them to keep the credits intact. 'Solar is the most effective form of energy going forward; it's the fastest and cheapest to market,' said Zaid Ashai, CEO of solar company Nexamp. 'The reality is we're in this economic competition with China. The only way to win the technology and AI race is to be energy independent, and solar is a really key component of that.'

GOP bill makes heavy cuts to green energy credits in its fine print
GOP bill makes heavy cuts to green energy credits in its fine print

Yahoo

time16-05-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

GOP bill makes heavy cuts to green energy credits in its fine print

Congressional Republicans' phase-out of the tax credits for climate friendly energy sources are expected to decimate the incentives and raise U.S. emissions. While the GOP's 'big beautiful bill,' which faces an uncertain future and a key committee vote Friday, proposes to phase out the credits over several years, analysts say the legislation's fine print effectively cuts them entirely. 'What's in the text now is about as bad as it could be and is likely to cause a lot of project cancellations, and that has knock-on effects on the economy, on people's energy bills and so on,' said Robbie Orvis, senior director of modeling and analysis at climate policy think tank Energy Innovation 'It's pretty rough in terms of the outlook for clean energy,' Orvis added. One of the most significant provisions in Democrats' 2022 Inflation Reduction Act was 'technology neutral' tax credits that provide significant subsidies to any energy source that can get its planet-warming emissions below a certain threshold. The Republican bill winds down those credits, along with a separate one that specifically benefits nuclear energy, over the next six years or so. But it also adds new restrictions on who can claim those credits. The most significant of those is language that says that projects that start construction more than one year after the bill's passage cannot qualify for the credit if they have any components, subcomponents or minerals that are built, mined or processed in China. China is a major hub for minerals processing, and it may be difficult for companies to find ones that are not refined there, especially on such a tight timeline. Derrick Flakoll, senior policy associate at BNEF, said that in effect, these requirements are similar to 'a full cutoff for projects from mid-2026' because of 'the ubiquity of Chinese critical minerals, Chinese intellectual property, Chinese batteries, polysilicon for solar [and] permanent magnets for offshore wind.' Constantino Nicolaou, CEO of manufacturing and installation company Panelclaw, told reporters during a solar industry press briefing that these requirements are 'unworkable.' 'It is so complicated for a manufacturer, it is so complicated for a developer, it's so complicated for a financier,' Nicolaou said, particularly pointing to the subcomponent and mineral restrictions. The solar industry is lobbying heavily for changes to be made to this provision and others. Representatives from the Solar Energy Industries Association and its member companies have met with 21 congressional offices this week. Meanwhile, the GOP bill also kills something called 'transferability' that makes it easier for projects to get financing. Supporters of the credits also say the timeline is particularly short because in the legislation the credit can only be claimed based on when projects actually start producing energy rather than when their construction begins. Initial analyses of the credits are coming to similar conclusions. Modeler Rhodium Group found that the changes to the tax code under the GOP plan are 'likely to be similar to the impact of a full repeal of the energy tax credits.' 'There's been a couple years of investments already made, stuff that's already come onto the grid, electric vehicles that have already been bought. This doesn't step away from those, but it does mean that going forward, you wouldn't see the benefits of those tax credits,' said Ben King, associate director of Rhodium Group's Energy & Climate practice. The group's analysis found that such changes could raise household energy bills by up to 7 percent in 2035 and could also drastically raise U.S. planet-warming emissions. The group's baseline scenario puts U.S. emissions between 31 percent and 50 percent lower in 2035 than where they were in 2005, while the policies proposed in the bill would bring emissions down by only between 23 and 39 percent. King said that in practice, the change in emissions that year is about equivalent to the current emissions of Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania combined. Overall, Chris Seipel, vice chairman of Wood Mackenzie's Power & Renewables group, described the bill as 'a sledgehammer disguised as a scalpel,' in an email to The Hill. Meanwhile, lawmakers in both the sledgehammer and the scalpel camps are criticizing the package as not going far enough and going too far, respectively. Thirteen Republicans asked House Leadership for more flexibility in a statement on Wednesday, while the Freedom Caucus's Chip Roy (R-Texas) lamented on social media that the bill 'delays IRA subsidy repeal until after Trump.' Roy has said he will vote against the budget package in its current form, and GOP senators are already signaling that it faces stiff headwinds should it survive the House and make it to the upper chamber. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

GOP bill makes heavy cuts to green energy credits in its fine print
GOP bill makes heavy cuts to green energy credits in its fine print

The Hill

time16-05-2025

  • Business
  • The Hill

GOP bill makes heavy cuts to green energy credits in its fine print

Congressional Republicans' phase-out of the tax credits for climate friendly energy sources are expected to decimate the incentives and raise U.S. emissions. While the GOP's 'big beautiful bill,' which faces an uncertain future and a key committee vote Friday, proposes to phase out the credits over several years, analysts say the legislation's fine print effectively cuts them entirely. 'What's in the text now is about as bad as it could be and is likely to cause a lot of project cancellations, and that has knock-on effects on the economy, on people's energy bills and so on,' said Robbie Orvis, senior director of modeling and analysis at climate policy think tank Energy Innovation 'It's pretty rough in terms of the outlook for clean energy,' Orvis added. One of the most significant provisions in Democrats' 2022 Inflation Reduction Act was 'technology neutral' tax credits that provide significant subsidies to any energy source that can get its planet-warming emissions below a certain threshold. The Republican bill winds down those credits, along with a separate one that specifically benefits nuclear energy, over the next six years or so. But it also adds new restrictions on who can claim those credits. The most significant of those is language that says that projects that start construction more than one year after the bill's passage cannot qualify for the credit if they have any components, subcomponents or minerals that are built, mined or processed in China. China is a major hub for minerals processing, and it may be difficult for companies to find ones that are not refined there, especially on such a tight timeline. Derrick Flakoll, senior policy associate at BNEF, said that in effect, these requirements are similar to 'a full cutoff for projects from mid-2026' because of 'the ubiquity of Chinese critical minerals, Chinese intellectual property, Chinese batteries, polysilicon for solar [and] permanent magnets for offshore wind.' Constantino Nicolaou, CEO of manufacturing and installation company Panelclaw, told reporters during a solar industry press briefing that these requirements are 'unworkable.' 'It is so complicated for a manufacturer, it is so complicated for a developer, it's so complicated for a financier,' Nicolaou said, particularly pointing to the subcomponent and mineral restrictions. The solar industry is lobbying heavily for changes to be made to this provision and others. Representatives from the Solar Energy Industries Association and its member companies have met with 21 congressional offices this week. Meanwhile, the GOP bill also kills something called 'transferability' that makes it easier for projects to get financing. Supporters of the credits also say the timeline is particularly short because in the legislation the credit can only be claimed based on when projects actually start producing energy rather than when their construction begins. Initial analyses of the credits are coming to similar conclusions. Modeler Rhodium Group found that the changes to the tax code under the GOP plan are 'likely to be similar to the impact of a full repeal of the energy tax credits.' 'There's been a couple years of investments already made, stuff that's already come onto the grid, electric vehicles that have already been bought. This doesn't step away from those, but it does mean that going forward, you wouldn't see the benefits of those tax credits,' said Ben King, associate director of Rhodium Group's Energy & Climate practice. The group's analysis found that such changes could raise household energy bills by up to 7 percent in 2035 and could also drastically raise U.S. planet-warming emissions. The group's baseline scenario puts U.S. emissions between 31 percent and 50 percent lower in 2035 than where they were in 2005, while the policies proposed in the bill would bring emissions down by only between 23 and 39 percent. King said that in practice, the change in emissions that year is about equivalent to the current emissions of Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania combined. Overall, Chris Seipel, vice chairman of Wood Mackenzie's Power & Renewables group, described the bill as 'a sledgehammer disguised as a scalpel,' in an email to The Hill. Meanwhile, lawmakers in both the sledgehammer and the scalpel camps are criticizing the package as not going far enough and going too far, respectively. Thirteen Republicans asked House Leadership for more flexibility in a statement on Wednesday, while the Freedom Caucus's Chip Roy (R-Texas) lamented on social media that the bill 'delays IRA subsidy repeal until after Trump.' Roy has said he will vote against the budget package in its current form, and GOP senators are already signaling that it faces stiff headwinds should it survive the House and make it to the upper chamber.

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