U.S. Senate Dems Propose Carbon Tariffs, Clean Energy Mandate in Infrastructure Plan

On Capitol Hill, Senate Democrats have unveiled a $3.5 trillion infrastructure plan that includes several climate-related provisions. The package includes tariffs on carbon-intensive imports, according to reports. Democrats call the proposed tariff a “polluter import fee.” The framework agreement also calls for a nationwide clean electricity standard, which would mandate that utilities generate 80% “clean electricity” by 2030.

Major business organizations, including the National Association of Manufacturers, continue to push for a separate, bipartisan, $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) says the Senate will conduct a key test vote on infrastructure next week.7/15/2021