The United Steelworkers is asking the Obama Administration to file a trade case against China over its burgeoning green energy industry, which the union alleges is subsidized by a host of government policies that disadvantage U.S. workers.

The union outlined five examples of what it said were China's "protectionist and predatory practices" in a 5,800-page filing with U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk. They included Chinese restrictions on exporting materials needed to manufacture renewable energy equipment; requiring Chinese manufacturers to use a high portion of Chinese-made goods in their products; technology transfer requirements; and giving Chinese companies advantages over foreign competitors in credit, bidding and other matters.

USW President Leo W. Gerard said China's policies are threatening U.S. jobs and energy security.

"China is taking every possible step ... to ensure that it will control that sector. America can't afford to cede more of its manufacturing base to China," he said.

"If all we do is exchange our dependence on foreign oil for a dependence on Chinese alternative and renewable energy production equipment, we will have traded away our nation's energy, economic and job security."

The union represents 850,000 workers in the steel, aluminum and other industries that supply companies that make wind turbines, solar panels and other green energy goods.

The USW filed the case under a 1974 law that gives the Obama administration 45 days, or until Oct. 24, to decide whether to pursue the case. If it does, U.S. trade officials would begin talks with the Chinese government within 90 days.

Mr. Gerard said ending what he termed China's "rogue practices" would help the White House achieve its objective of doubling U.S. exports.

"It would take a lot to prove to me they're not cheating," he said. "We've lost thousands of jobs and thousands of job opportunities."

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