Washington, DC - Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) expressed his support for a United States proposal, introduced today at the World Trade Organization, that calls for the elimination of tariffs and other trade barriers on environmental goods and services,
including more than 40 such goods and services that are vital in combating climate change. The proposal reflects the recommendations of a recent World Bank study, which concluded that reducing trade barriers on these products would expand their use in developed and developing countries.
“Future generations are depending on us to fight global climate change now. Under this proposal, countries can harness the economic benefits of increased trade, while creating environmental benefits that will reverberate globally," Baucus said. “Reducing barriers to trade in environmental products and services, including clean coal technologies, will expand countries’ options to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I strongly encourage all WTO members to accept this proposal."
In a speech earlier this fall, Chairman Baucus called on the United States to lead negotiations on an agreement to remove tariffs and other barriers on environmentally-friendly goods and services, noting that such measures will help both the environment and the economy.
Source: Ranking Member’s News
