Pelican State News

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) issued the following statement after the Louisiana Senate and House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution urging Congress to pursue a climate and trade policy. 

“Louisiana leads in manufacturing the goods that we all need in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Louisiana’s economy and workers will benefit if U.S. trade laws penalize overseas companies that don’t spend the money that our companies spend on pollution control.” 

The resolution sponsored by House Republican Leader Blake Miguez (R-49) and Senator Caleb Kleinpeter (R-17) is entitled, “A resolution to memorialize Congress to enact a trade policy that supports United States businesses and workers while penalizing global polluters.” 

The resolution notes that “rewarding United States firms for their environmental performance would bolster domestic manufacturing and generate good paying jobs, particularly in rural areas, and reduce dependence on imports from high emitting producers like Russia and China.”

Following its passage, the resolution was transmitted to the secretary of the United States Senate, clerk of the United States House of Representatives, and each member of the Louisiana Congressional delegation.

The Louisiana Senate and House resolution aligns with Cassidy’s efforts to create a “Foreign Pollution Fee.” A Foreign Pollution Fee, coupled with permitting reform, would hold China accountable, expand domestic production, increase opportunities for the American family, and decrease global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 

Background

Cassidy penned an op-ed in the Washington Times discussing the geopolitical threats China poses to U.S. global standing. Cassidy stressed the need for a U.S. foreign policy towards China that meets at the nexus of national security, energy security, economic policy, and climate policy.

Cassidy recently joined Greta Van Susteren on Newsmax to discuss his foreign pollution fee, noting the competitive advantage China receives from intentionally ignoring environmental standards.

Last year, Cassidy released a landmark energy & climate policy outline in response to the Biden administration’s assault on domestic energy. The outline details how we can successfully reset U.S. energy policy, including Cassidy’s plan for an Energy Operation Warp Speed to cut permitting red tape and unleash domestic energy.

Original source can be found here