Today, Representatives John Curtis (R-UT) and Scott Peters (D-CA) introduced the Providing Reliable, Objective, Verifiable Emissions Intensity and Transparency (PROVE IT) Act.  The bill is designed to provide high-quality, verifiable data to support American businesses and ensure fair competition on the global stage. The bill also takes into account human rights and labor standards of each country producing a qualified product.  

A Senate version was introduced by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and favorably marked up in the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee earlier this year.

“We should embrace the fact that American industries produce cleaner and with better standards than anywhere else in the world,” said Rep. Curtis. “This bill is not just about proving our energy dominance; it's about leveling the playing field in international competition. Russia and China are on an unapologetic trajectory to energy dominance, using none of the innovative technologies or regulations that make our energy cleaner in the United States. This legislation will help American businesses compete globally, strengthen our trade relationships, and provide our allies with a reliable energy partner.”

“To address climate change, we must have a global race to the top, so that all nations have more strong incentives to reduce their emissions,” said Rep. Peters. “Our PROVE IT Act will provide the data to show the benefits of America’s high environmental standards while holding nations like China accountable for their emissions-intensive practices. I am excited to be leading this effort with Representative Curtis, which shows that even in an age of increasing partisanship, we can still work together to advance strong and common-sense environmental and energy policies.”

Key Provisions of the PROVE IT Act:

1. Emissions Intensity Study: The Department of Energy, in coordination with other federal agencies, will publish a study within two years to identify the emissions intensity of covered products produced in the U.S. and compare it with those produced internationally.
2. Transparency and Accountability: The study will provide detailed, specific, and transparent data on emissions, helping to hold countries with less stringent environmental standards accountable.
3. Supporting American businesses: By showcasing the lower emissions intensity of American products, the PROVE IT Act will bolster arguments for promoting U.S. manufacturing and energy production over foreign competitors.
4. No new taxes or reporting requirements: The legislation explicitly states that it does not provide any authority to impose new taxes or establish new mandatory reporting requirements on domestic production.

Cosponsors of the legislation include Reps. David Valadao (R-CA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Maria Salazar (R-FL), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Troy Carter (D-LA), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Blake Moore (R-UT), and Celeste Maloy (R-UT).

Supporting stakeholders include the Steel Manufacturers Association, American Iron & Steel Institute, United States Chamber of Commerce, Portland Cement Association, Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, Ultra Low-Carbon Solar Alliance, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, and the Climate Leadership Council.

After the study’s publication, DOE is directed to update data every five years. Under the legislation, 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. 

In March 2024, the Utah State House unanimously passed a resolution urging “the United States Congress to take actions to enact trade policy that supports United States' businesses and workers while penalizing global polluters.”

For bill text, click here.

ADDITIONAL READING

E&E NEWS: Bipartisan carbon bill unveiled in the House

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