Tell Congress: Pass the PROVE IT Act! đź—Ł
Calling all cosponsors! Let’s pave the way for a carbon border adjustment mechanism in the U.S.
What is the PROVE IT Act?
It would require the Department of Energy (DOE) to study and compare the carbon emissions of products that are produced in the United States vs. other countries. Within two years, the DOE will publish a study comparing the carbon output of U.S. goods, like aluminum, cement, crude oil, fertilizer, iron, steel and plastic, to goods made elsewhere.
Getting this information organized into a database is a necessary first step to implementing a carbon border adjustment mechanism or CBAM. Right now, 75% of U.S. imports come from countries that are more carbon intensive. A CBAM would reduce carbon pollution globally by basically putting a price on carbon for goods produced outside the U.S.
It has been introduced by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) as S.1863 and is expected to be introduced in the House soon. We need as many cosponsors as we can get to pave the way for a CBAM in the U.S.!
Frequently Asked Questions
Wait–are there two PROVE IT Acts?
Yes! Weird coincidence, right? There is another PROVE IT Act that has been introduced in the Senate under bill number S.B. 1411. That one is about increasing transparency for federal regulations that impact small businesses. But we’re talking about S.B. 1863, introduced by Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), which has to do with measuring the carbon output of manufactured goods.Â
Why do we need the PROVE IT Act?
Trade is one of the best tools we have to encourage other nations to reduce their emissions. Right now, only 23% of global greenhouse gas emissions are covered by some kind of carbon price. A carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) that imposes a fee on the extra carbon content of imported goods provides a strong incentive for foreign countries to reduce the carbon intensity of their industries. Since the carbon intensity of many U.S. industry products is among the lowest in the world, a CBAM would protect U.S. industries from higher-polluting foreign competition.Â
Additionally, the European Union, the largest foreign market available to U.S. producers, will implement its own CBAM on imports this year based on its existing carbon price. It is important that American industry is not left behind as the E.U. and other trading partners move in this direction.
What is a CBAM?
A carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) is an extra charge, on carbon-heavy goods that are imported through a country’s borders. CBAMs basically put a price on carbon for goods produced outside the U.S., which is an effective way to lower carbon emissions globally.Â
The country that produced the carbon-intensive product must pay a fee based on the amount of carbon created by making the product. In order to avoid high CBAM fees, countries will lower the carbon output of their products by shifting to cleaner processes. CBAMs do not penalize countries with high-carbon products. Instead, they provide an incentive to switch to cleaner processes, helping economies stay strong. Learn more about CBAMs and why they matter.
Does this bill create a CBAM in the U.S.?
No, the Act does not put a CBAM in place. It only creates a system for carbon intensity data collection and reporting. However, this data gives the U.S. the information it needs to enact a CBAM in the future, which is why it’s important we show support now. Consider this step one!
Will my members of Congress listen to me?
Yes! The idea that elected representatives don’t listen to their constituents is not true. In reality, congressional staffers take every call and voicemail and read every email their office receives and pass these onto their member of Congress in regular briefings. Congress works for you, and they want to know what their constituents care about. You may receive a generic email in response, but your message was still received loud and clear.
How else can I help?
You only need to email your members of Congress once yourself. Then, share this page with any friends, family and coworkers who want to help pave the way for a CBAM in the U.S.!
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