Targeting Environmental and Climate Recklessness Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Ed Markey and 1 co-sponsor

Summary of S 3282: Climate Change Accountability Act OverviewBill Number: S 3282 Title: A bill to authorize the imposition of sanctions with respect to significant actions that ex

Introduced in Senate

Overview

Bill Number: S 3282
Title: A bill to authorize the imposition of sanctions with respect to significant actions that exacerbate climate change, to reinforce comprehensive efforts to limit global average temperature rise, and for other purposes.
Status: Introduced in Senate
Introduced: January 24, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to establish a framework for imposing sanctions on entities that take significant actions that worsen the impacts of climate change. The legislation aims to reinforce and support global efforts to limit the increase in average global temperatures to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.

Key Provisions

Authorizes the President to impose sanctions on any person or entity that is determined to be responsible for, or complicit in, actions that significantly exacerbate climate change.

Requires the President to identify and designate such "climate change enablers" based on specific criteria, including greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and other environmentally damaging activities.

Mandates the development of a comprehensive strategy to support the goals of the Paris Agreement, including diplomatic engagement, international cooperation, and the provision of technical and financial assistance.

Establishes reporting requirements for the President to regularly update Congress on the implementation of the sanctions regime and the overall climate change strategy.

Directs federal agencies to consider climate change impacts in their decision-making processes and to prioritize climate mitigation and adaptation in their programs and policies.

Affected Parties and Impacts

The bill would primarily target large corporations, industries, and governments that are responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions or other actions that contribute to climate change. This could include fossil fuel companies, deforestation-linked industries, and countries with high emissions profiles.

The sanctions imposed under this legislation could have far-reaching economic and diplomatic consequences for the designated "climate change enablers," potentially limiting their access to global markets, financial systems, and international cooperation. The bill also aims to incentivize these entities to adopt more sustainable practices and support global climate action.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

S 3282 was introduced in the Senate on January 24, 2025 and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations for consideration. If passed by the Senate, the bill would then need to be approved by the House of Representatives and signed into law by the President before taking effect.

The implementation of the sanctions regime and the development of the comprehensive climate change strategy would require ongoing coordination between the executive branch, Congress, and international partners. Regular reporting and oversight by Congress would be crucial to ensure the effective and transparent implementation of the bill's provisions.