# What the Exported Carbon Emissions Report Act Does

This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to track and publicly report how much carbon dioxide and methane pollution is created when the United States exports fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, and coal. Right now, when the U.S. ships these fuels to other countries and they're burned or used overseas, that pollution doesn't get counted in America's official climate statistics. This bill would change that by requiring the EPA to measure those "exported emissions" and compare them to the pollution created by fossil fuels burned here at home.

The EPA would need to start collecting this data within six months and then update it every year, looking back at the previous ten years of information. They'd have to use the best available science and work with international energy experts to make sure the calculations are accurate and consistent with how other countries measure emissions. All of this information would then be published on the EPA's website so anyone can see it—scientists, policymakers, journalists, and regular citizens.

Why does this matter? Currently, the U.S. can appear to be reducing its carbon footprint while actually just shipping the problem elsewhere. If an American oil company exports crude oil to be refined and burned in another country, that pollution doesn't show up in U.S. climate reports, even though American companies profited from it. This bill would make that hidden pollution visible. It doesn't restrict exports or impose penalties—it's purely about transparency and giving people accurate information about the true climate impact of American fossil fuel exports. This could influence future policy decisions and help the public understand the full environmental cost of the energy industry.