SE Wyoming News

U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) have written an op-ed published in the Epoch Times, addressing the need to protect domestic energy and manufacturing industries from unfair taxation by the European Union (E.U.). The senators emphasize the United States' position as a global leader in energy production and innovation, and their responsibility to prevent American industries from being unjustly penalized.

Since President Biden took office, the administration has implemented regulations that have hindered domestic energy production. This includes the closure of the Keystone XL Pipeline and restrictions on U.S. Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) exports. The senators argue that these actions cater to climate change extremists at the expense of American producers, instead of using the nation's high standards as a model for the world.

To safeguard American energy and manufacturing industries, Lummis and Cramer stress the importance of enacting commonsense legislation that promotes American energy production and ensures the country remains a global leader. They highlight the need for proactive deals with foreign nations and the ability to refute exaggerated statistics that may be used to impose exorbitant tariffs or terminate contracts with American companies.

The senators cite an example from 2020, where a French utility company canceled contract negotiations for U.S. LNG, claiming it was "dirty." However, the company later reversed its decision and re-signed contracts for U.S. LNG after recognizing the environmental leadership of American companies. This case demonstrates the importance of having reliable data to counter unfair claims.

In support of this, Lummis and Cramer voted in favor of the Providing Reliable, Objective, Verifiable Emissions Intensity and Transparency (PROVE It) Act of 2023. This legislation authorizes the Department of Energy (DOE) to publish a study on the comparative emissions intensity of products from certain countries. The data from this study will protect American manufacturers and producers, preventing situations like the one with the French utility company from recurring.

The senators emphasize that the PROVE IT Act explicitly states it will not lead to a carbon tax. Instead, it equips the United States with the necessary data to shield industries from unfair tariffs and taxes. This legislation also positions U.S.-based companies to secure more business from global allies without granting any federal agency the authority to impose greenhouse gas emissions taxes.

Lummis and Cramer assert that American states have set the standard for responsible energy production and must be prepared to defend their industries against unfair tariffs. They stress the importance of having reliable data to counter the European Union's carbon border adjustment mechanism, which is set to be implemented in 2026. The senators argue that relying on European calculations for taxation on American manufacturing and energy industries is not in the country's best interest.

In conclusion, Lummis and Cramer emphasize the need to use every available tool to promote American producers and maintain the nation's position as a global leader in energy production. They highlight the importance of enacting legislation like the PROVE IT Act to protect American industries from unfair taxation and ensure continued success in the global energy market.