Curtis Introduces Bill to Increase Export of US Clean Energy

Statement

Today, Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) released the following statement after introducing his new bill, The Exporting Clean Energy Act. The legislation will increase the amount of clean energy being sent abroad to contribute to a more environmentally friendly world while also better enabling US companies to build up and empower developing countries.

"American clean energy technology is known for being the most efficient and environmentally friendly around the world. As emissions from outside the US quickly approach 90% of world emissions, exporting US clean energy technology will is an important tool to uplift developing countries out of poverty while reducing global emissions," said Curtis. "The Exporting Clean Energy Act will benefit US national security by strategically deploying US energy technology throughout the world, as opposed to having that void filled by China and Russia, while also improving environmental stewardship."

Statements of Support

Rich Powell, ClearPath Action Executive Director: "Low-cost, high-performing technologies are the backbone of efforts targeting rising carbon emissions in the developing world, and the United States is poised to capitalize on tremendous opportunities to export American clean energy technology. Rep. Curtis's bill provides solutions to help affordably meet growing global demand for reliable and lower-carbon power."

Heather Reams, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, Executive Director: "CRES applauds Congressman Curtis' vision for increasing support for the export of US clean energy technology and infrastructure. The US must maintain its global leadership, and the Export-Import Bank should leverage its resources to help US exporters, especially in competition against strategic competitors."

Background

As the official export credit agency of the United States, the Export Import Bank's purpose is to promote the export of US goods and services to help create and sustain jobs in the United States. Over the last 10 years, EXIM financed more than $255 billion in US exports.

-This legislation will:
-Create a congressional mandate for the Export-Import Bank to focus on energy financing when a US strategic competitor is bidding for a contract or when the US is capable of providing lower emissions than a competitor
-Create a process to form a temporary quorum of Board of Directors to approve loans when a strategic competitor is bidding on an energy contract

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