The United Nations is preparing to impose an ocean carbon tax that threatens to hit American wallets hard.
This initiative, backed by the Biden administration under the purview of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), aims to impose a tax ranging from $19 to $150 per ton of CO2 emissions from shipping fuel.
The consequences of this tax could be dire for consumers, as it is projected to double shipping fuel costs.
Given that the United States is the world's largest importer of goods, the burden of this tax will be felt most heavily by American families.
Currently, marine fuel oil, used to power cargo ships, costs around $400 per ton. A $150-per-ton tax would add an astonishing $480 per ton to shipping costs, a figure that will not be absorbed by businesses but passed along to consumers.
This translates to higher prices for essentials like groceries, clothing, and gasoline—hitting working-class families the hardest amidst an already strained economy grappling with inflation.
The 2023 IMO GHG Strategy, which aims for net-zero shipping by 2050, is not just an environmental policy but a direct attack on U.S. economic stability. Critics argue that it is less about climate change and more about shifting control to international bodies without proper oversight or consent from Congress.
A coalition of countries, including China, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia, have voiced opposition to the tax, with China even threatening to withdraw from the IMO if the tax proceeds.
The European Union appears to be reconsidering its approach, potentially pivoting to a cap-and-trade system, a slightly different but still concerning alternative.
Supporters of this tax argue that it is vital for addressing climate change; however, such measures historically lead to economic decline and loss of jobs, as seen with past international accords.
The Trump administration has a crucial opportunity to counter this harmful tax plan. The response must be swift: withdraw U.S. support for the IMO’s 2023 strategy, refuse to enforce any international carbon tax that lacks Senate approval, and categorize any such tax as requiring treaty-level discussion under U.S. law.
This situation serves as a powerful reminder that policies framed as environmental efforts can have devastating economic consequences.
If the Trump administration acts decisively, there is hope to safeguard American families from this financial burden, ensuring that economic vitality remains intact in the face of international pressures.
Sources:
naturalnews.comnaturalnews.comthecentersquare.com