CEI leads coalition opposing carbon tariffs and the PROVE IT Act

The Competitive Enterprise Institute today sent a coalition letter to Congress opposing a bill that would lay the groundwork for a carbon tax on imported goods and a domestic carbon tax. The letter was signed by 42 free-market oriented and conservative organizations.

The bill in question, the PROVE IT Act (S. 1863), may be marked up by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee this week.

“It’s hard to imagine a more harmful and tone-deaf policy idea than carbon tariffs,” said Daren Bakst, director of CEI’s Center on Energy and Environment. “Americans don’t want new taxes and higher prices; and they don’t want policymakers punishing energy use and letting foreign countries have influence over our domestic policies. The PROVE IT Act, supported by carbon tariff proponents, will help make carbon tariffs a reality.”

The letter urges lawmakers to oppose the PROVE IT Act and any other legislation dealing with carbon tariffs.