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 who engage in activities that exacerbate climate change, contribute to deforestation, or harm environmental defenders. The bill outlines specific actions that could trigger sanctions, including activities that lead to greenhouse gas emissions inconsistent with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, illegal deforestation, and misrepresentation of environmental impacts.
The Act also includes findings related to the impact of climate change, the need for international cooperation, and the importance of addressing environmental injustice. It expresses the sense of Congress on the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change, including domestic regulations and international climate finance.
Furthermore, the bill authorizes additional resources for the Office of Foreign Assets Control to target individuals and entities under this Act and the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.
Expected Effects
This Act could lead to significant changes in international relations and trade, as the U.S. may impose sanctions on countries or individuals involved in activities deemed harmful to the environment. It could also incentivize other nations to adopt similar measures.
The bill may also lead to increased scrutiny of foreign investments and projects, particularly those related to fossil fuels and deforestation. The Act aims to deter activities that contribute to climate change and environmental degradation by holding actors accountable through financial sanctions and travel restrictions.
Potential Benefits
- Could reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation by deterring harmful activities.
- May protect environmental defenders from violence and intimidation.
- Could promote international cooperation on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
- May improve the United States' international standing as a leader in environmental protection.
- Could incentivize innovation in clean energy technologies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could strain diplomatic relations with countries targeted by sanctions.
- May have unintended economic consequences for U.S. businesses and consumers.
- Could be difficult to enforce sanctions effectively, particularly in countries with weak governance.
- May be perceived as an overreach of U.S. authority and an infringement on national sovereignty.
- Could lead to retaliatory measures from other countries.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the U.S. Constitution is based on the federal government's implied power to conduct foreign policy and regulate international commerce (Article I, Section 8). The imposition of sanctions is a tool of foreign policy, and the bill aims to address a global issue (climate change) that could affect the general welfare of the United States.
However, the bill's potential impact on individual liberties and due process should be considered. While the sanctions target foreign persons, there could be implications for U.S. citizens or entities that have dealings with those individuals or entities. The bill includes provisions for exceptions and considerations to mitigate these concerns.
Overall, the bill appears to fall within the constitutional powers of Congress and the President to conduct foreign policy, but careful implementation is needed to avoid infringing on individual rights and due process.
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).