Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) introduced H.Res.828, the Resolution on the Environmental Goods Agreement, which would direct the Trump administration to restart and conclude negotiations on the Environmental Goods Agreement. 

The Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) negotiations were first initiated in 2014 by 14 World Trade Organization (WTO) members – including the United States – with the goal of removing tariffs on key environmental goods like wind turbines, water treatment filters, solar water heaters, and bicycles. However, despite 18 rounds of negotiations, an agreement has not been reached and there have not been any new negotiations since 2016. While several countries have expressed their support for continuing work on the EGA, the Trump Administration has not put forth any public positions on the agreement. 

H.Res.828 would direct the administration to resume and conclude negotiations on the EGA. With tariffs on environmental goods as high as 50 percent, the EGA would encourage the use of green products and help countries transition to a low-emissions economy. Since the U.S. is a leader in the development of these goods, eliminating these tariffs would also help level the playing field for American manufacturers and support the growth of green jobs, benefiting the U.S. economy. 

“This is a commonsense resolution that works in the best interests of the United States and the environment,” said DelBene. “By eliminating burdensome tariffs on goods that would benefit our environment, we would be supporting American workers while addressing climate change in a mutually beneficial way. It is imperative that the current administration work to resume these talks with our fellow WTO members so we can continue working towards a green economy and a sustainable future.”

Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Don Beyer (VA-08), Terri Sewell (AL-07) and Ron Kind (WI-3) are original cosponsors of DelBene’s resolution. DelBene is a member of the Ways and Means Committee and is Vice-Chair of Policy for the New Democrat Coalition.