Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, along with Senators Lindsey Graham and Roger Wicker, has introduced the Foreign Pollution Fee, a plan aimed at addressing the environmental impact of China and Russia while boosting domestic production. The fee utilizes the United States' advantage in manufacturing and energy production to discourage the import of pollution-intensive foreign goods and expand American production.

Dr. Cassidy expressed his frustration with allowing China to pollute freely while displacing American jobs and manufacturing. He stated, "The Foreign Pollution Fee begins to hold China accountable for their lack of environmental standards while expanding domestic production, increasing opportunities for the American family, and decreasing global emissions."

Senator Graham emphasized the need for foreign polluters like China to pay a price for their environmental policies. He stated, "We are leveling the playing field, and American manufacturers and businesses will be the biggest beneficiaries."

Senator Wicker stressed that American manufacturers should not be put at a strategic disadvantage due to their efforts to improve manufacturing processes. He stated, "It is high time to level the playing field and put the focus on holding our international competitors to the same standards. American jobs depend on it."

The introduction of the Foreign Pollution Fee comes in response to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and other foreign governments ignoring international norms and agreements regarding environmental protection. The existing trade system not only allows the CCP to exploit loopholes but also compensates them for their poor pollution record. This has led to the loss of millions of U.S. jobs and dependency on problematic supply chains.

The Foreign Pollution Fee aims to ensure that the pollution intensity of imported products into the U.S. is no dirtier than similar domestically produced goods. It also promotes the expansion of U.S. energy production and manufacturing and encourages trade with like-minded partners. At the same time, it penalizes foreign countries, particularly China, who ignore environmental standards to undercut manufacturing.

China and Russia have been singled out as major polluters. Products made in China, on average, generate three times the emissions of the same products made in the U.S., while goods produced in Russia emit four times the emissions. Specific examples include Chinese-mined minerals, which have emissions intensity 100% higher than U.S. minerals, and Russian natural gas, which is 60% more emission intense than U.S. natural gas.

The introduction of this legislation follows the unanimous adoption of a resolution in the Louisiana House and Senate that supports trade policies targeting foreign polluters while benefiting American workers.

Senator Cassidy has been vocal about the geopolitical threats posed by China and the need for a comprehensive U.S. foreign policy towards the country. He has emphasized the importance of addressing national security, energy security, economic policy, and climate policy in relation to China. Cassidy's previous energy and climate policy outline outlined ways to reset U.S. energy policy and included plans for an Energy Operation Warp Speed to cut red tape and unleash domestic energy and manufacturing.

In addition to the Foreign Pollution Fee, Cassidy has opposed a domestic carbon tax and introduced comprehensive judicial reform for permitting bills. He has also pushed back against proposals to limit development in the Outer Continental Shelf with the WHALE Act and the Offshore Energy Security Act of 2023.

The introduction of the Foreign Pollution Fee is another step towards holding China accountable for its environmental standards and boosting domestic production while reducing global emissions.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-leads-introduction-of-foreign-pollution-fee-to-hold-china-accountable