PROVE IT Act

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The PROVE IT Act is a proposed U.S. law that would study and publish data on the greenhouse gas emissions associated with certain products. Its aim is to show how clean U.S. manufacturing is and to help level the global playing field, especially in response to Europe’s carbon rules.

What the act would do
- The Department of Energy (DOE) would, within two years, publish a study on the average emissions intensity of about two dozen products produced in the United States and in other countries of interest.
- Emissions would be measured in CO2 equivalents (CO2e) and averaged across the countries of interest.
- The results would be posted in an online database and updated every five years, with international cooperation in data gathering.
- The act would not grant any federal power to impose a greenhouse gas tax, fee, duty, or other charge.

Which products are covered
- Aluminum
- Cement
- Iron and steel
- Plastic
- Biofuel
- Crude oil, petrochemicals, and refined petroleum products
- Fertilizer
- Glass
- Hydrogen
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Natural gas
- Pulp and paper
- Refined strategic and critical minerals
- Solar cells and solar panels
- Uranium
- Wind turbines

Why this is being considered
- Proponents say the data would show how American manufacturers compare to others and help quantify the climate benefits of cleaner manufacturing practices.
- It is seen as a response to the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which could affect imports from the U.S. The idea is to have data on the emissions tied to U.S. investments and products so the U.S. can compete on a level playing field.

History and status
- Senate: Introduced on June 7, 2023 by Senators Chris Coons and Kevin Cramer. The Environment and Public Works Committee approved a markup in January 2024 with bipartisan support.
- House: A companion bill was introduced on July 9, 2024 by Representatives John Curtis and Scott Peters, with 21 co-sponsors (10 Republicans and 11 Democrats).
- While supporters call it a bipartisan climate policy, some conservatives worry about potential links to tariffs or taxes. An amendment was added to clarify that the bill does not authorize a federal greenhouse gas tax or duty.

Who supports or opposes
- Supporters include centrist and some conservative climate groups and trade associations such as the American Petroleum Institute and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
- Opponents include the Competitive Enterprise Institute and others who worry about new government authority or potential tax-like effects.
- Some industry groups have urged co-sponsorship as a way to speed cleaner, more balanced U.S. policy and investment in decarbonization.

In short, the PROVE IT Act would create an official, ongoing source of data on how much greenhouse gases are tied to key products, with the goal of supporting cleaner manufacturing and fair competition—without creating new taxes or charges.