Decarbonization Policy and International Competitiveness
An event—featuring Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and a panel of experts—breaking down new proposals for border carbon adjustments and the future of decarbonization and trade
Event Details
Economic competitiveness and decarbonization are top priorities for industry and government. The biggest areas of focus for policymakers are the highly competitive industrial sectors including steel, aluminum, cement, and chemicals. The introduction of new low- and zero-carbon production technologies, driven by government policies, may help these industries decarbonize faster. However, given that these products are exchanged on highly competitive international markets, there is concern that domestic decarbonization policies could result in production shifting to nations with weaker environmental policies.
On June 8, 2022, Resources for the Future (RFF) hosted an RFF Live event breaking down recent developments in decarbonization and industrial competitiveness. First, RFF President and CEO Richard G. Newell sat down down with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse to discuss his new bill, the Clean Competition Act, which aims to address emissions and competitiveness. We then moved to a panel of experts on international trade and decarbonization to examine proposals aimed at reducing industrial emissions while keeping US industry competitive on the world stage.
Opening Session
- Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), United States Senate
- Richard G. Newell, Resources for the Future
Panelists
- Virgilio Barrera, Holcim US
- Anna Fendley, United Steelworkers
- Jennifer Hillman, Georgetown Law Center
- Ray Kopp, Resources for the Future
- Kevin Rennert, Resources for the Future (Moderator)
Event Video
Participants
Virgilio Barrera
Director of Government & Public Affairs, Holcim US
