Central ND News

U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Chris Coons (D-DE) have introduced the bipartisan Providing Reliable, Objective, Verifiable Emissions Intensity and Transparency (PROVE IT) Act. This legislation aims to address climate change by directing the Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct a comprehensive study comparing the emissions intensity of certain goods produced in the United States to those produced in other countries.

Senator Cramer emphasizes the importance of quantifying global data to demonstrate that emissions-intensive goods produced in the United States are cleaner at home compared to countries with lax or nonexistent standards. He states, “Americans know and appreciate the stewardship that goes into the energy we produce and the goods we manufacture. Quantifying global data will prove our emissions-intensive goods are cleaner here at home while highlighting the countries who monetize their lax or nonexistent standards.”

Senator Coons highlights the need for reliable data to quantify the climate benefits of cleaner manufacturing practices in the United States and to hold countries like China accountable for their emissions-heavy production. He states, “The bipartisan PROVE IT Act will provide reliable data that’s needed to quantify the climate benefits of the United States’ investments in cleaner, more efficient manufacturing practices and to hold nations like China accountable for their emissions-heavy production of goods like steel.”

The PROVE IT Act aims to level the playing field for domestic producers and manufacturers who must compete against rivals with little to no standards. It also seeks to ensure that American workers and producers are not unfairly penalized for their high environmental standards. By demonstrating the comparative advantage in emissions intensity, working with allies and partners on data sharing and cooperation, and building on future legislation, the PROVE IT Act aims to benefit the climate, American workers and manufacturers, and global cooperation.

Several stakeholders, including the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Action, American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES), and the Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research, among others, support this legislation.

The PROVE IT Act has garnered support from Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Angus King (I-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO).

Under this legislation, the DOE will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive study and updating the data every five years. The covered products include aluminum, articles of aluminum, articles of cement, articles of iron and steel, articles of plastic, biofuels, cement, crude oil, fertilizer, glass, hydrogen, iron and steel, lithium-ion batteries, natural gas, petrochemicals, plastics, pulp and paper, refined strategic and critical minerals, refined petroleum products, solar cells and panels, uranium, and wind turbines.

The PROVE IT Act is a significant step towards addressing climate change through trade policy and ensuring that domestically produced goods are held to high environmental standards. By providing reliable data and promoting global cooperation, this legislation aims to create a level playing field for American producers and manufacturers, while also benefiting the climate and fostering international collaboration.