The Exported Carbon Emissions Report Act of 2025 mandates the EPA to annually report domestic carbon emissions alongside those resulting from exported U.S. fossil fuels, ensuring transparency and informed energy policy.
Sean Casten
Representative
IL-6
The Exported Carbon Emissions Report Act of 2025 mandates the EPA Administrator to annually collect and publish data on domestic carbon dioxide and methane emissions, as well as emissions resulting from the leakage and combustion of fossil fuels exported from the U.S. The Administrator will use the best available science and established international standards, consult with relevant agencies, and publish the information on the EPA's website. This aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the carbon emissions associated with U.S. fossil fuels, both domestically and internationally. This action must begin within 180 days after the enactment of this Act.
EPA to Track Global Carbon Footprint of US Fossil Fuel Exports Starting 2025
The Exported Carbon Emissions Report Act of 2025 mandates the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to start tracking and publishing a comprehensive annual report on carbon dioxide and methane emissions. This goes beyond just domestic emissions, covering the full lifecycle—from extraction, processing, and transport within the U.S. to leakage and combustion of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas that are produced or refined here and then exported. The goal is straightforward: paint a clearer picture of the total environmental impact of U.S. fossil fuels, even when they're burned overseas.
Digging into the Data
The bill, effective within 180 days of enactment, requires the EPA to use "the best available science and established international standards" (SEC. 2) when calculating these emissions. They'll also be working with the Energy Information Administration and the International Energy Agency. Think of it like this: if a company in Texas extracts natural gas, and that gas is shipped to Europe and burned, the emissions from that entire process—including what happens in Europe—will now be part of the EPA's report. This applies to any "carbon-containing material from prehistoric organisms" (SEC. 2), meaning coal, oil, and natural gas are all on the list. The data will be public, posted directly on the EPA's website.
Real-World Ripple Effects
This new reporting could have significant implications. For example, communities near extraction sites or export terminals could gain a clearer understanding of their local contribution to global emissions. Businesses involved in the fossil fuel industry might face increased scrutiny regarding the carbon footprint of their products, even after those products leave U.S. shores. Consumers, both domestically and internationally, could become more aware of the climate impact of their energy choices. It also means anyone, from a concerned homeowner to a climate researcher, can see this data and use it.
Potential Roadblocks
While the Act aims for transparency, there are some practical hurdles. Accurately tracking emissions from exported fuels, especially once they're outside U.S. jurisdiction, could be tricky. Attributing those emissions back to their specific U.S. origin might also present challenges. However, by mandating the use of best practices and international collaboration, the bill sets a high bar for data quality and accountability.