The public's perception always matters. That's why new 'bipartisan' legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Chris Coons (D-DE) just barely scratches the surface of implementing carbon footprint accountability.
The recently introduced Prove It Act is sold as a way to hold major polluting nations like China and Russia accountable for their environmental damage. The act would require the Department of Energy to deliver a report every five years on greenhouse gas emissions in the production process of materials like aluminum, plastic, steel, and crude oil, made both in America and in certain foreign countries.
The Department of Energy would study the amount of energy used, or in other words, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted. But as cautioned in a recent op-ed, "the information would be used to impose tariffs on those countries who — in the view of the Biden crew — emitted too much carbon dioxide while creating those products."
The data will allow the government to "bolster clean U.S. manufacturing and shine a light on countries with lax environmental standards so we can hold them accountable," wrote Sen. Coons. Similar to the government raising the corporate income tax, imposing tariffs based on a nation's environmental standards will be effectively punishing American consumers financially.
But while the hushed carbon tax goal will first be slapped onto foreign nations, American consumers can expect the punch soon after.
Sen. Cramer told E&E News that it's "easier to take a second step once you’ve taken a first step. It can create a little momentum... and it gets people thinking about it in a different context than, ‘Oh, my God, it’s a carbon tax.’"
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The three other shaky Republicans to support the act include Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), who said, "Whether it’s the price on carbon or the border adjustment … I think it’s going to be important to know a little bit more about of the impact of all this."
The senators clearly comprehend what this will lead to, and placing the initial blame on foreign, communist nations is the perfect way to get Americans on board. Years down the road when the data is collected, our nation's own environmental standards will likely become the key focus.
Repeatedly, establishment politicians reveal their willingness to sell out our freedoms and finances for back-room deals. They'd like more power and money, but that requires taking both those things from every American taxpayer.
Convention of States understands that government will never change, no matter who is elected. The system needs an awakening, and an Article V convention is the way to do just that through term limits and other power-restricting amendments.
Already, 19 states have passed the COS Resolution, which means we're over halfway to calling a convention. Please support the Convention of States movement by signing the petition below.
