Carolyn Morrisroe, carolyn.morrisroe@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) introduced the Providing Reliable, Objective, Verifiable Emissions Intensity and Transparency (PROVE IT) Act. This bipartisan bill directs the Department of Energy to undertake a study comparing the emissions intensity of certain goods produced in the United States to the emissions intensity of those goods produced in other countries.
In response, Harry Manin, Deputy Legislative Director of Sierra Club’s Living Economy Program, released the following statement:
“The PROVE IT Act marks a major step forward in establishing trade policies that prioritize the health of people and the planet, and it serves as a significant move toward a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). We are eager to work with senators on both sides of the aisle to pass transformational bills that place fees on imports based on carbon intensity and show manufacturers that it’s good business to invest in reducing carbon emissions.
“The Sierra Club hopes to see certain issues addressed to ensure that climate-forward trade efforts are environmental and economic wins. Emissions data should be broken down by facility — as in an upcoming Sierra Club report on domestic facilities — rather than flattened into industry averages that harm companies doing the right thing. In addition to greenhouse gasses, toxic releases and operations that directly harm workers and fenceline communities should be taken into account. And it’s imperative that we consider what resources are made available so all covered countries can cooperate with the policies. A CBAM framework that rewards best practices will slash pollution, boost the U.S. economy, and increase good manufacturing jobs at home.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.