Resolution Asks Administration to Restart Environmental Goods Negotiations at WTO

Four pro-trade House Democrats joined Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., recently in introducing a resolution asking the Biden administration to reopen negotiations in Geneva for an Environmental Goods Agreement at the World Trade Organization. DelBene led, joined by Reps. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif.; Don Beyer, D-Va.; Terri Sewell, D-Ala.; and Ron Kind, D-Wis.

The Democrats, all Ways and Means Committee members, believe that if countries could agree to eliminate tariffs on wind turbines, solar hot water heaters, bicycles and other environmental products, it would support green jobs and help American factories. In an April 7 press release announcing the resolution, they noted that negotiations started in 2014 among 14 countries in the WTO. “However, despite 18 rounds of negotiations, an agreement was never reached, and there have not been any new negotiations since 2016,” they said.

The release quoted a top official at the Solar Energy Industries Association who supports the EGA. “Reducing trade barriers on environmental goods is vital to addressing the climate crisis,” John Smirnow, general counsel at SEIA, said.