RSC Chairman Pfluger and HEAT Team Members Join Trump in Blocking UN's Global Carbon Tax Framework
Earlier this month, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the UN body that oversees international shipping, was scheduled to vote to adopt a “net zero framework” for the shipping industry - a de facto global carbon tax on emissions. If adopted, the global carbon tax could increase global shipping costs by 10% or more, advantage Chinese shipyards, and constrain already-strained global supply chains while directly hitting American consumers.
President Trump took decisive action to counter this illegal global tax, and the IMO folded, postponing their vote for one year. Congressional action is needed to provide certainty as the IMO undertakes active discussions to expand the scope of the framework.
The UNtaxed Act provides that certainty. The newly introduced legislation would reassert the right of the United States Senate to consent to any UN-imposed tax prior to it taking effect in the United States, and prohibits the United States government from making any financial contributions to a UN agency or body that attempts to unilaterally impose a tax on the American people. The legislation ensures that international bureaucrats are never again able to illegally impose a tax on our country, and restores U.S. sovereignty.
The RSC HEAT team and concerned stakeholders echoed President Trump's opposition and demanded that the U.S. stop funding UN bodies that impose or enforce such taxes, arguing that the UN possesses no legal authority to levy them:
"The United Nations has no legal authority to impose taxes on American citizens or companies—and this attempted global carbon tax through the IMO is a flagrant overstep that violates international law," said RSC Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11). "My legislation is an extension of President Trump’s leadership to stop unelected international bureaucrats from dictating the terms for American commerce. It would kill their global carbon tax scheme permanently by depriving all U.S. funding to any UN agency that attempts to impose a tax on the American people and ensuring Congress has a say in all taxes, fees, and penalties on American citizens or companies.”
“A global carbon tax would punish American workers, consumers, and energy producers while undermining American sovereignty. The UNtaxed Act ensures that no foreign entity can impose harmful international taxes on the American people and protects the pro-growth agenda of President Trump and Republicans in Congress,” said RSC HEAT Chairman Troy Balderson (OH-12).
“The UNtaxed Act draws a line in the sand. The United Nations doesn’t get to reach into Americans’ pockets or cripple our energy industry with a backdoor carbon tax. America answers to her citizens, not to unelected global bureaucrats in Geneva,” said RSC HEAT Vice Chairman Randy Weber (TX-14).
"Iowans shouldn’t be forced to pay for a UN climate scheme that punishes our farmers, shippers, and families. I’m proud to stand with President Trump and fight back against foreign mandates by delivering Iowa-first energy solutions that grow our economy and create jobs in the heart of the heartland,” said RSC National Security Task Force Chairman Zach Nunn (IA-03).
“This insidious tax would disproportionately harm low- and middle-income Americans, particularly those in our most distressed communities. The UN possesses no legal authority to impose taxes on American industry, yet they are trying to use this tax to ‘get the camel’s nose under the tent’ for a broader scheme of unauthorized global taxing and spending. President Trump has been able to thwart this particular action, but legislation is needed to ensure that the UN never again seeks to impose illegal taxes on the American people. The UNtaxed Act clarifies that taxes imposed by the UN have no legal effect in the United States, and eliminates US funding to any UN agency that attempts to impose and/or enforce a tax on the American people,” said Center for Urban Renewal and Education President Donald T. Eason. “We commend the leadership of Congressmen Pfluger, Weber and Balderson, and urge every Member of Congress to support this vital legislation.”
“A tax on international shipping is a tax on all Americans. The IMO has no authority to issue this tax, and if adopted, the tax would be detrimental to the United States’ economy and supply chains,” said Center for Transportation Advancement Executive Director David Ozgo. “I want to thank RSC Chairman August Pfluger and House Republicans who share this sentiment for championing the UNtaxed Act to provide our industry much-needed certainty.”
"The carbon tax imposed by the United Nations is another ploy to subvert our national sovereignty. Hard working Americans should not be unfairly taxed nor lose their jobs due to the whims of a political climate change agenda. We ask Congress to stand with President Trump in opposing the UN's actions by passing Congressman Pfluger's UNtaxed Act," said Eagle Forum President Kris Ullman.
"NTU is proud to support the UNtaxed Act and commends Rep. Pfluger for his leadership in introducing this important legislation. This safeguard for American taxpayers ensures that international organizations can never impose taxes on the American people without congressional approval," said National Taxpayers Union Executive Vice President Brandon Arnold.