Sens. Cramer, Coons Call for U.S., EU Collaboration on Climate in Trade

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and Chris Coons (D-DE), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called on President Joe Biden to work with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to consider trade policies that reduce global emissions and strengthen geopolitical alliances. The letter comes on the heels of President Joe Biden and European Commission President von der Leyen’s announcement last Friday to ramp up efforts to displace Russian natural gas exports to Europe amidst Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and unwarranted violent assault on Ukraine.  

“Putin’s aggression against Ukraine, other partners in Europe, and elsewhere around the world underscores the strategic importance of blunting the Kremlin’s malign influence and ability to use critical energy supply as a weapon,” wrote the letter.

The senators outline long-term opportunities and areas for cooperation and coordination to pursue our shared goal of responsible, environmental stewardship.

“As we look to the future, the United States, the European Union, and our other allies have an opportunity to demonstrate global leadership in reducing reliance on Russian fuels while promoting cleaner energy production,” continued the letter. “Increasing our exports of cleaner energy will have the dual benefit of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions while diminishing the leverage of bad actors. To be successful, we must focus on the long-term opportunity to bolster our trade relationships with nations who prioritize clean, innovative energy sources.”

The letter also expressed concerns about unilateral action on carbon border adjustments.  

“[W]e are concerned that unilateral action could lead to discrimination against U.S. businesses, driving a wedge where there should be a bond. Your administration has succeeded in negotiating a framework with the European Union on steel and aluminum by focusing on our common responsible practices while rejecting the dumping of carbon-intensive products. We have the opportunity to build on this momentum and coordinate with other countries who share our commitment to environmental stewardship. Russia’s war in Ukraine has underscored the need for close cooperation with nations who share our values. It is time to stop rewarding cheap, dirty products that increase emissions and the geopolitical leverage of despots,” wrote the letter.  

Click here to read the letter. 

Background

In December, Senator Cramer and Lt. General H.R. McMaster outlined an America First approach to trade and energy production by aligning climate and national security policy in an op-ed for Foreign Policy. Looking through the lens of trade with the European Union (EU), the op-ed highlights opportunities to be a global leader in emission reductions by producing and exporting American energy, which enhances the United States’ economy, national security, and geopolitical interests. They further discussed this concept in a fireside chat with the Bipartisan Policy Center in February.

In March, Senator Cramer met with European Member of Parliament and lead carbon border adjustment negotiator Mohammed Chahim to discuss the European Union’s proposed carbon border adjustment mechanism. He warned Mr. Chahim of the potential repercussions of any unilateral trade action from the EU and publicly said, “Modern nations must work together on trade standards so our producers and manufacturers are rewarded for the good work they already do.”