U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-1st, is welcoming the announcement by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) that China has ended several wind power equipment subsidies challenged by the United States at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

That announcement follows a USTR investigation initiated by a petition from the United States Steelworkers (USW), which Visclosky actively supported.

“I am pleased that the Office of the United States Trade Representative pursued an investigation in this case and that China has shut down this subsidy program,” Visclosky said in a statement released on Wednesday. “I urge the Administration not to become complacent with this victory, but to remain vigilant and aggressive in our nation’s attack on illegal Chinese trade practices that violate our international trade agreements. I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure a level playing field for American workers and manufacturers.”

On Tuesday, the USTR announced that China ended subsidies through its Special Fund for Wind Power Equipment Manufacturing. These subsidies came through grants to Chinese wind turbine manufacturers which used parts and components made in China, rather than using imports. According to the USTR, the individual grants ranged from $6.7 million to $22.5 million.

This is the third successful WTO challenge brought by the United States against Chinese government subsidies.

In September 2010, the USW filed a petition under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 outlining numerous Chinese practices which violate the country’s obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization and threatened American jobs and industry. These practices included the Special Fund for Wind Power Equipment Manufacturing.

Visclosky publicly stated his support for the petition at the time.

In October, in response to the petition, United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk announced that the United States was launching a Section 301 investigation into Chinese policies and practices in the clean energy technology sector.

Visclosky is Vice-Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus.