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119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
HOUSEH.R. 6787· 119th Congress

Carbon Border Adjustment Tax

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to create a carbon border adjustment based on carbon intensity, and for other purposes.

Sponsor
Suzan DelBene (D-WA)
Introduced
Dec 17, 2025
Last Action
Dec 17, 2025
Passage
35%
Introduced
Dec 17, 2025
2
Committee
3
Floor Vote
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • This bill would create a tax on imported products based on how much carbon pollution was produced when making them. The tax would apply at the U.S. border to help level the playing field between American products and foreign products.
  • The bill uses 'carbon intensity' to measure how polluting a product is—essentially charging more for dirtier imports and potentially less for cleaner ones. It amends the tax code to add this new border adjustment mechanism.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • This would affect businesses that import goods into the U.S., manufacturers competing globally, and ultimately consumers who may see price changes on imported products. Foreign companies selling to America would need to account for their products' carbon footprint.
  • The bill addresses concerns that U.S. companies face stricter environmental rules than foreign competitors, which some argue puts American businesses at a disadvantage. It's designed to encourage cleaner manufacturing practices worldwide while protecting domestic industries.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • The bill was just introduced on December 17, 2025, and is being reviewed by three House committees (Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Foreign Affairs).
  • Contact your House representative to share your views on whether taxing carbon in imports is good for your community's economy and environment.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Dec 17, 2025Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • Dec 17, 2025Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • Dec 17, 2025Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • Dec 17, 2025Introduced in House
  • Dec 17, 2025Introduced in House