Central Louisiana News

WASHINGTON – Support for U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy's Foreign Pollution Fee is growing as more stakeholders recognize its potential benefits. The Foreign Pollution Fee is a proposed American plan aimed at addressing the connection between energy, economic development, supply chains, national security, and the environment, while holding China and Russia accountable for their pollution. By leveraging the United States' advantage in manufacturing and energy production with lower greenhouse gas emissions, the fee aims to expand domestic production, create more jobs, reduce global emissions, and discourage the import of pollution-intensive foreign goods.

Senator Cassidy highlights the importance of this fee in promoting accountability and protecting American jobs and manufacturing. He states, "It makes absolutely no sense that we allow China to pollute freely and export their products to the U.S.—displacing U.S jobs, manufacturing, and excellence. 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."

Numerous industry leaders and organizations have voiced their support for the Foreign Pollution Fee. The Battery Materials and Technology Coalition (BMTC), a group focused on clean manufacturing, commends Senator Cassidy's efforts. According to BMTC spokesperson Ben Steinberg, "A foreign pollution fee would help to level an unfair playing field and reinforce America's commitment to clean manufacturing by accounting for foreign manufacturers that operate with lower standards."

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) also recognizes the potential of the fee in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. AISI President & CEO Kevin Dempsey states, "The most effective way to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is through policies that hold the most GHG-intensive producers in the world accountable. Establishing a comprehensive GHG border fee that requires higher-emitting imports to pay for those emissions will help level the playing field and ensure U.S. producers investing in cleaner production processes are not undercut."

BASF Corporation, a global chemical company, appreciates Senator Cassidy's leadership in addressing carbon management challenges. Catherine Trinkle, BASF's Vice President & Deputy General Counsel for Regulatory, Environmental & Government Affairs, emphasizes the need for climate protection policies that allow energy-intensive companies to remain globally competitive. Trinkle states, "We also support Sen. Cassidy's leadership in addressing challenges with permitting, Class VI well primacy, and parity for carbon utilization incentives, which we believe will drive meaningful carbon emissions reductions, especially in the chemical sector."

The Portland Cement Association (PCA), representing the cement industry, highlights the importance of incentivizing innovation and decarbonization while discouraging the import of higher-polluting foreign products. Sean O'Neill, PCA's Senior Vice-President of Government Affairs, states, "Congress should collaborate on policies that incentivize innovation and decarbonization and discourage the import of higher polluting foreign products. We look forward to continuing to work with the Senators on addressing this key issue."

The Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA) also supports the Foreign Pollution Fee as a means to incentivize high-emitting producers to reduce emissions and level the playing field. SMA President Philip Bell states, "The United States makes the cleanest, lowest emissions steel products in the world. This policy would incentivize high-emitting producers to take the necessary steps to reduce emissions and earn the right to sell products into our market."

Heather Reams, President of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES), emphasizes the need to hold China and other foreign adversaries accountable for their poor environmental practices. Reams states, "Effective trade and climate policy must boost American manufacturing, mining, and energy production that will strengthen global economic and energy security, while reducing worldwide emissions."

Greg Bertelsen, CEO of the Climate Leadership Council, sees the Foreign Pollution Fee as a step towards securing critical supply chains and lowering global emissions. Bertelsen states, "The FPF Act would introduce a global market signal to leverage America's Carbon Advantage to the benefit of the U.S. economy, American workers, and the environment."

The growing support for the Foreign Pollution Fee reflects a recognition of the need to address the environmental impact of foreign manufacturing and promote cleaner, more sustainable practices. As Senator Cassidy continues to advocate for this fee, he emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to energy, economic, and climate policy to protect American jobs, reduce global emissions, and hold countries like China accountable for their actions.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-support-grows-for-the-foreign-pollution-fee