Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA-50) and John Curtis (R-UT-3) introduced the Providing Reliable, Objective, Verifiable Emissions Intensity and Transparency (PROVE IT) Act.  The bill would provide high-quality, verifiable data about emissions of U.S.-made products in comparison to international products to ensure fair competition on the global stage. The bill also analyzes the human rights and labor standards of each country producing a covered product. America leads the world in clean manufacturing and the data provided by this study would protect our manufacturers as the European Union and other countries begin to implement carbon-based tariffs.

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

“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.”

“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.”

Key Provisions of the PROVE IT Act:

1. Emissions intensity study: Establishes a study to determine the average product emissions intensity of certain goods produced in the United States, compared to those from other countries. It also establishes a report on how any foreign governments, such as China, gain a competitive advantage in international trade by permitting, or engaging in, the use of forced labor, child labor, or unacceptable work conditions.
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.

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. 

For bill text, click here.

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