Targeting Environmental and Climate Recklessness Act of 2025
Summary
The "Targeting Environmental and Climate Recklessness Act of 2025" aims to authorize the imposition of sanctions on foreign persons engaged in activities that exacerbate climate change, contribute to deforestation, or harm environmental defenders. The bill outlines findings related to the impacts of climate change and the need for international cooperation to address the crisis.
It establishes a policy to consider using Global Magnitsky sanctions for environment-linked corruption and human rights abuses. The Act also defines specific activities that could trigger sanctions, such as actions leading to greenhouse gas emissions exceeding scientifically established limits, illegal deforestation, and misrepresentation of environmental impacts.
Sanctions include visa ineligibility, asset blocking, and other measures. The bill authorizes resources for the Office of Foreign Assets Control to implement these sanctions.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to increased scrutiny of international activities that contribute to climate change and deforestation. It could deter some actors from engaging in environmentally harmful practices due to the threat of sanctions. The act may also strain relationships with countries whose individuals or entities are targeted by the sanctions.
Potential Benefits
- Could reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation.
- May protect environmental defenders from violence and intimidation.
- Could promote greater transparency and accountability in environmental projects.
- May incentivize countries to adopt more sustainable practices.
- Could improve the United States' international standing as a leader in climate action.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could harm economic relations with countries targeted by sanctions.
- May be difficult to enforce sanctions effectively.
- Could disproportionately impact developing countries.
- May lead to unintended consequences, such as increased illegal activities.
- Could be perceived as an overreach of US authority.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on international relations and the imposition of sanctions falls under the purview of the federal government's authority to conduct foreign policy, as implicitly granted by Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. The power to regulate commerce with foreign nations is also relevant. However, the potential impact on individual liberties and due process rights of foreign persons must be considered to ensure alignment with constitutional principles.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).