Washington, DC – Climate Leadership Council CEO Greg Bertelsen issued the following statement in response to the Senate Finance Committee’s confirmation hearing for Scott Bessent to become the next Treasury Secretary:
“The Council was reassured to hear Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent express interest in policies ‘that could be specifically aimed toward carbon’ as ‘part of an entire tariff program.’
“His comments came amid a discussion that echoed the Council’s findings on America’s Carbon Advantage: Goods manufactured in the U.S. are 44% more carbon-efficient than the world average. A well-designed climate and trade policy would level the playing field, advantage U.S. firms, and encourage manufacturers everywhere to lower emissions.
“The Council looks forward to supporting further exploration of carbon import fees by Mr. Bessent and others in the Trump administration.”