Lisa DeMarco Quoted in Report on Business Regarding U.S Climate Laws and the Risk of Trade War
The U.S. could spark an escalating international trade war if it proceeds with climate change legislation that would protect energy-intensive industries from imports coming from countries with less stringent emissions controls, a congressional study concludes.
The warning comes as the U.S. Senate debates climate change legislation, already passed by the House of Representatives, that would force industry to invest in new technology to cut emissions, or purchase expensive permits.
Environmental lawyer Elisabeth DeMarco, of MacLeod Dixon LLP, said U.S. politicians appear determined to impose protectionist measures that will cause conflict with trading partners, including Canada. To blunt that, many experts are urging international agreements to set emission standards for industrial sectors, which would complement national regulations.
“I think that it is very likely that, if the U.S. imposes such measures – either as national climate change policy or through de facto state procurement/implementation – we will see a domino effect in key supply jurisdictions,” Ms. DeMarco said.
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