In October, the members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) want to discuss the introduction of a so-called “Net Zero Framework”. One country has already spoken out against this, namely the USA.
The Trump administration has announced that it will reject the IMO’s proposal to decarbonize shipping in order to prevent damage to American consumers and the shipping industry.
The US President provides the justification for this in a statement released by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy.
In the statement, President Trump makes it “unequivocally clear” that the United States will not accept any international environmental agreement.
“CO₂ tax favors China”
Regardless of the stated goals, the proposed framework is effectively a global carbon tax on Americans, levied by an unaccountable UN organization. These fuel standards would primarily favor China, as they require the use of expensive fuels that are not available in sufficient quantities worldwide.
In addition, these standards would preclude the use of proven technologies that power the global shipping fleet – including lower-emission options in which the U.S. industry is a leader, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biofuels. Under this concept, ships would have to pay fees if they fail to meet unattainable fuel standards and emissions targets. These fees would drive up the cost of energy, transportation and cruising. Even small ships would have to pay millions of dollars in fees – with a direct impact on prices for American consumers, according to the statement.
Trump does not shy away from retaliatory measures
The Trump administration unequivocally opposes this proposal before the IMO and will not tolerate any measure that increases costs for our citizens, energy providers, shipping companies and their customers or tourists. “We will fight resolutely to protect the American people and their economic interests. Our partners in the IMO should be aware that we will demand their support against this proposal – and that we will not hesitate to retaliate or explore remedies for our citizens should this effort fail.”
