Bill · S. 3523· Senate(119-S-3523)
Clean Competition Act
- Introduced
- 12/17/2025
- Last activity
- 12/17/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- Sheldon Whitehouse
- Cosponsors
- - 5 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill creates a new carbon intensity charge on certain domestic industrial facilities and imported goods based on their greenhouse gas emissions. Companies that produce goods domestically or import them will have to report their carbon emissions and pay fees if those emissions exceed established baselines. The legislation establishes grant and loan programs funded by these charges to help domestic industries invest in advanced, low-carbon technologies. It also authorizes the President to negotiate international carbon agreements and provides funding for global climate assistance. Lastly, the bill sets up a system of rebates for exported goods to help keep American businesses competitive in the global market.
Yes· 3 of 25
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+8
Imposes a carbon intensity charge on high-emission facilities and rewards direct air capture to significantly reduce greenhouse gases.
Does this send more money or help to other countries?+7
The bill allocates substantial funding for bilateral and multilateral assistance to support global climate and clean energy programs.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+7
Promotes cleaner industrial processes and mandates reporting and reduction of industrial pollutants.
The opposite· 3 of 6
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-4
The legislation appropriates tens of billions of dollars for industrial grants and international climate assistance.
Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced?-3
Applies carbon charges to fossil fuel extraction and refining sectors, increasing operating costs for traditional energy producers.
Is this likely to lower the price at the pump?-3
Carbon intensity charges on petroleum and natural gas extraction may lead to higher fuel and energy prices.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for Clean Tech and Jobs: Under Section 2(c), the Department of Energy will establish competitive grant and loan programs to help facilities invest in advanced industrial technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, giving preference to projects in economically distressed communities and areas with high pollution burdens. This could lead to cleaner air and new job opportunities in hard-hit manufacturing towns.
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Reward for Carbon Removal: Under Section 4692(d), companies can reduce the carbon charges they owe by directly capturing greenhouse gas emissions from the air and storing or utilizing them safely. This provision encourages businesses to actively remove pollution from the atmosphere.
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International Labor Protections: Under Section 4694(b), foreign countries entering into carbon agreements with the United States must guarantee basic worker rights, such as freedom of association, the elimination of forced and child labor, and acceptable working conditions. This helps protect workers both abroad and at home from unfair labor competition.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Costs on Goods: Under Section 4692(a), new charges are imposed on both domestic production and imported goods—including primary goods and finished products—if their carbon intensity exceeds specific baselines. Because businesses often pass compliance costs down to consumers, everyday Americans may see higher prices for common goods and energy products.
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Financial Burdens for Manufacturers: Under Section 4691(a) and Section 4692(a), covered entities face strict domestic reporting requirements and mandatory pollution charges starting at $60 per metric ton of excess emissions, with costs increasing annually based on inflation plus six percentage points. Smaller manufacturers or those struggling to modernize quickly may find these fees and reporting rules difficult to afford.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Foreign Aid+7Improves Diplomatic Engagement+6Improves International Alliances+6Improves International Trade+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+4Good For Union Workers+4Good For African Americans+3Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Urban Residents+3Good For Young Adults+3Good For Immigrants+2Good For Business Owners-2Good For Middle Class Households-2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Reduces Carbon Emissions+8Improves Environmental Protections+7Increases Renewable Energy Investment+7Reduces Fossil Fuel Production-3Reduces Gas Prices-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+6Increases Federal Power+5Improves Interstate Commerce+3
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Corporate Taxes+6Increases Job Creation+5Improves Union Protections+4Improves Economic Growth+2Reduces Government Spending-4Reduces Inflation-2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+6
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+3Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- 12/17/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Martin HeinrichDemocrat · New Mexico
Brian SchatzDemocrat · Hawaii
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont