H.R. 6185: Targeting Environmental and Climate Recklessness Act of 2025

The "Targeting Environmental and Climate Recklessness Act of 2025" aims to address issues related to climate change and environmental degradation by introducing a framework for imposing sanctions on individuals or entities that significantly contribute to climate harm. Here’s a brief summary of what the bill proposes:

Sanctions for Climate Change Contributors

The bill authorizes the President of the United States to impose sanctions on foreign persons who engage in activities that:

• Contribute to greenhouse gas emissions that exceed established scientific limits aimed at limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
• Involve illegal deforestation or harm important natural carbon sinks.
• Misrepresent the environmental impact of projects or investments.
• Limit or undermine efforts by individuals protecting the environment or seeking to uphold community land rights.

Mechanisms of Sanction

Sanctions could include:

• Inadmissibility for travel to the United States.
• Blocking of any transactions involving property owned by the sanctioned persons within the U.S.
• Additional sanctions options that may be deemed appropriate under U.S. law.

Imposition Criteria

The bill specifies that sanctions should be considered based on credible information gathered by congressional committees, other countries, or organizations monitoring environmental integrity and human rights.

Focus on Environmental Defenders

Special attention is given to those who protect the environment, public health, and community rights. If these individuals face threats or harm due to their actions, sanctions can be applied to those who perpetrate such actions.

Support for Climate Finance and Cooperation

Congress emphasizes that this act is one component of a broader strategy to combat climate change. It suggests the U.S. government should partner with other nations to effectively limit emissions, promote development that does not harm the environment, and increase climate finance efforts over $11 billion annually.

Relation to Existing Laws

The bill utilizes existing executive powers related to human rights abuses and corruption to enhance enforcement against those contributing to environmental destruction. Additionally, special care is to be taken regarding intelligence and law enforcement activities to ensure compliance with international obligations.

Funding for Implementation

It also provides for funding to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to enhance its ability to identify and impose sanctions on individuals or entities that violate climate-related provisions.

Relevant Companies

• TSLA (Tesla Inc.): If the bill leads to tighter regulations on emissions, companies like Tesla, which produce electric vehicles and are positioned to reduce greenhouse gases, may benefit from increased demand and investment, while traditional fossil fuel companies may face more scrutiny.
• XOM (Exxon Mobil Corporation): Given its involvement in fossil fuels, Exxon Mobil may face sanctions if found complicit in activities that contribute to significant emissions or environmental harm.
• CVX (Chevron Corporation): Similar to Exxon, Chevron's operations could be negatively impacted by the increased regulatory scrutiny and potential sanctions related to climate change activities.