WASHINGTON, DC – The Climate Leadership Council released Unlocking EXIM: Priorities for Reform, which lays out a roadmap to strengthen the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and position the U.S. as a global leader in the advanced energy economy. These priorities come as Congress prepares to consider the bank’s reauthorization and the U.S. faces intensifying competition in global energy markets.
U.S. firms are developing many of the advanced technologies poised to meet demand, from next-generation nuclear and geothermal systems to carbon capture and sequestration, clean hydrogen and ammonia, wind, and solar but they often face steep competition from state-backed rivals. Without sufficient support, U.S. exporters risk losing access to fast-growing markets that will shape the future of the global energy system.
To ensure EXIM has the authorities and tools it needs to be impactful at scale, the Council has identified six priorities for reauthorization:
- Right-size risk tolerance for key exports
- Enhance support for nuclear and other advanced energy technologies
- Evaluate the efficacy of eligibility criteria
- Strengthen financing capacity for domestic projects
- Enhance interagency coordination and business development
- Invest in staff
“Reforming EXIM is essential to aligning U.S. export strategy with the evolving realities of global energy competition,” said Dan Giamo, senior director of policy at the Climate Leadership Council and author of the report. “A modernized EXIM can unlock new markets for American innovation, accelerate emissions reductions, and secure long-term economic leadership.”
With reauthorization on the horizon, Congress has a pivotal opportunity to make EXIM a catalyst for advanced energy manufacturing and U.S. competitiveness. The Council will work with industry and other stakeholders throughout the reauthorization process to further refine recommendations and incorporate critical feedback.