WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released a new video featuring vocal support from several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees for his Foreign Pollution Fee Act to level the playing field with Chinese manufacturing and expand American production.
During their confirmation hearings, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer all express interest in the proposal, noting that it aligns well with the Trump administration’s trade agenda. These exchanges come after Cassidy, joined by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), released a new discussion draft of their Foreign Pollution Fee Act for public comment.
A range of industries has expressed support for Cassidy’s efforts to craft a trade policy that strengthens U.S. manufacturers’ competitiveness and counter unfair competition from China, including the Steel Manufacturers Association, the American Iron and Steel Institute, the Portland Cement Association, the Aluminum Association, and the Solar Energy Manufacturers for America (SEMA) Coalition.
“A strong border measure will allow American steel producers to benefit from the fact that they are global leaders in emissions efficiency. This can be a key part of any long-term solution to safeguard the domestic steel industry from the devastating effects of global overcapacity,” said Philip K. Bell, President, Steel Manufacturers Association. “We are encouraged to see Senator Cassidy and numerous Trump administration officials show aligned interest in advancing this policy design. We stand ready to work with them to advance a trade policy that helps U.S. steel manufacturers compete on a level playing field.”
“Steel made in the United States is the cleanest in the world. Senator Cassidy has rightly determined that legislation is needed to hold foreign polluters accountable for their dirtier products, while enhancing the competitiveness of American steel manufacturers. AISI looks forward to working with him and others in Congress to craft a foreign pollution fee that applies to all imported steel products with higher emissions than products made the U.S., without imposing a carbon fee or tax on American manufacturers,” said Kevin Dempsey, President and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute.
“American cement manufacturers believe that a well-constructed border measure will allow them to leverage their leadership in emissions efficiency. This is essential for any lasting strategy to protect the domestic cement industry from any global challenges,” said Mike Ireland, President and CEO of the Portland Cement Association. “It’s great to see Senator Cassidy and Trump administration officials expressing support for this policy approach. We are prepared to continue to collaborate with them to advance a trade policy that strengthens the competitiveness of U.S. cement producers.”
“The SEMA Coalition supports Senator Cassidy’s 2025 Foreign Pollution Fee Act. For American solar manufacturers to compete on a level playing field and outcompete China, we need innovative border measures such as a foreign pollution fee. Any successful, long-term strategy to reshore the solar value chain must prioritize taking these steps to safeguard the domestic solar industry from the impacts of global overcapacity,” said Mike Carr, Executive Director of the Solar Energy Manufacturers for America (SEMA) Coalition. “We are grateful for Senator Cassidy’s leadership and look forward to working closely with him and the administration to advance trade and tax policies that ensure a level playing field with China and longevity for U.S. solar manufacturers and workers.”
The US aluminum industry produces some of the cleanest aluminum products in the world while facing ongoing pressure from international producers not subject to traditional market forces. Smart tariff policy recognizes this and provides incentives for both domestic and international production of cleaner aluminum.” said Will Brown, VP of Government Relations and International Programs, The Aluminum Association. “At the Aluminum Association, we look forward to continuing to work with Senator Cassidy to advance trade policies that strengthen the U.S. aluminum industry and its competitiveness in the global marketplace.”
“According to recently released data from the US International Trade Commission (ITC), the carbon intensity of American-made Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) is well below that of OCTG produced by China and its satellites. This environmental dumping combines with other forms of unfair trade practices that need to be addressed. Senator Cassidy’s legislation is a major step in holding foreign producers from China and its satellites accountable, as it not only strengthens American industries but also supports a cleaner, more competitive market for all,” said Luca Zanotti, Chairman of the United States OCTG Manufacturers Association (USOMA).
The Foreign Pollution Fee Act:
- Combats China’s Exploitation of Trade Rules: By countering the unfair practices of non-market economies like China, ensuring American manufacturers can compete and thrive on a level playing field.
- Strengthens Global Supply Chain Resilience: Diversifying trade relationships will reduce dependence on adversarial nations, making supply chains more secure against geopolitical disruptions and enhancing national security.
- Revitalizes American Manufacturing: By discouraging imports of pollution-intensive goods, this policy will bring jobs back home, strengthen domestic industries, and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
- Expands U.S. Export Markets: As high-polluting countries modernize their industries, they’ll increasingly demand American-made inputs, feedstocks, and cutting-edge technologies, opening new opportunities for U.S. exports.
- Deepens Trade Ties with Allies: By promoting partnerships with nations that share our economic and environmental values, the Foreign Pollution Fee Act builds a coalition against predatory practices by the Chinese Communist Party, supporting emerging markets and allies alike.
- Rewards Leadership in Cleaner Manufacturing: By incentivizing international partners to adopt cleaner production methods while ensuring that domestic manufacturers maintain a competitive edge by continuing to lead in industrial decarbonization.
Background
Cassidy and Graham introduced an earlier version of their Foreign Pollution Fee Act to level the playing field with Chinese manufacturing and expand American production in 2023.
The Foreign Pollution Fee Act was a key topic at Cassidy’s Louisiana Energy Security Summit in October 2024.The summit featured ten panels that explored protecting U.S. interests from unfair trade practices, Louisiana’s low-pollution manufacturing advantage, and the role of natural gas in strengthening U.S. geopolitical influence. Panelists included presidents and CEOs from Entergy, First Solar, Buzzi UnicemUSA, Orsted, and Aluminum Technologies, former Trump administration officials, and leaders from Louisiana trade associations and major energy and Fortune 500 companies.
In September 2024, he released the 3rd episode of Bill on the Hill, where he highlights his Foreign Pollution Fee Act and discusses China’s growing economy and military coming at the expense of the American worker. After hearing fellow Americans share their concerns, Cassidy presented his plan to address the nexus between economic development, national security, and the environment.
He penned editorials in Foreign Affairs, The Washington Times, and jointly in the USA Today Network discussing the geopolitical threat that China poses to U.S. global standing.
In 2023, the Louisiana Senate and House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution urging Congress to pursue an industrial manufacturing and trade policy to counter competition from China. Learn more here.
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