The United States has formally rejected the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) proposed carbon tax aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas emissions from the international shipping sector.
In a joint statement, secretary of state Marco Rubio, secretary of commerce Howard Lutnick, secretary of energy Chris Wright, and secretary of transportation Sean Duffy criticized the IMO’s so-called “Net-Zero Framework”, vowing to rally opposition to the adoption of the proposal by the IMO members ahead of a key vote in October.
The Trump Administration has rejected the proposed framework, calling it “a global carbon tax on Americans.”
Officials said President Donald Trump would not accept “any international environmental agreement that unduly or unfairly burdens the United States or harms the interests of the American people.”
They claim the framework would benefit China by requiring the use of expensive fuels unavailable at global scale.
“These standards would also preclude the use of proven technologies that fuel global shipping fleets, including lower emissions options where U.S. industry leads such as liquified natural gas (LNG) and biofuels,” the joint statement read.
The administration has warned that ships will have to pay fees for failing to meet unattainable fuel standards and emissions targets. They argue it would raise energy, transportation and leisure cruise costs.
“Even small vessels would incur millions of dollars in fees, directly driving up costs for American consumers,” officials claim.
The joint statement concludes: “The Trump Administration unequivocally rejects this proposal before the IMO and will not tolerate any action that increases costs for our citizens, energy providers, shipping companies and their customers, or tourists. We will fight hard to protect the American people and their economic interests.
“Our fellow IMO members should be on notice that we will look for their support against this action and not hesitate to retaliate or explore remedies for our citizens should this endeavor fail.”
