In an era where climate policy has taken hold, the PROVE IT Act emerges as a beacon of responsible stewardship and international leadership.

Grand Forks Herald, Barry Wilfahrt

To the editor,

In an era where climate policy has taken hold, the PROVE IT Act emerges as a beacon of responsible stewardship and international leadership. Spearheaded by U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Kevin Cramer, this bipartisan initiative of 17 Senators, also including Sen. Hoeven, aims to underpin American manufacturing’s reputation for sustainability with actual data, promoting transparency in global emissions intensity.

The act’s foundation lies in its commitment to obtaining verifiable data comparing the emissions intensity of American-made goods against those produced worldwide. This approach validates the United States’ environmental leadership. It sets a benchmark for global manufacturing practices, encouraging countries lagging in environmental standards to step up their game.

In a state where the energy sector makes up half of the state’s economy, federal and world energy policy is important to every citizen in the state. Oil revenue drives public sector spending across the state and impacts every industry and every citizen in our state. The PROVE IT Act helps level the playing field for the North Dakota energy industry.

Key endorsements from the Climate Leadership Council, American Petroleum Institute, and the Steel Manufacturers Association underscore the Act’s potential to unify diverse sectors towards a common goal: reducing global emissions. By highlighting the United States’ comparative advantage in low-emission production, the PROVE IT Act leverages American innovation and high environmental standards as tools for international influence, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable manufacturing practices worldwide. In North Dakota the Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) is driving many of these innovations and technologies

Moreover, the Act’s emphasis on collaboration among public entities, private industry and international partners exemplifies a holistic approach to tackling climate change, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement in environmental stewardship.

The PROVE IT Act represents a strategic move towards a greener future, where data-driven policies bolster American industry and catalyze a global transition towards sustainability. By setting a precedent for environmental transparency and accountability, the Act paves the way for a new era of eco-conscious manufacturing, redefining global industrial standards in favor of a more sustainable planet.

Barry Wilfahrt
Grand Forks

Wilfahrt is president and CEO of The Chamber Grand Forks/East Grand Forks.