Targeting Environmental and Climate Recklessness Act of 2025

Senate Bill

S. 3282

119th Congress

Targeting Environmental and Climate Recklessness Act of 2025

In Committee

Introduced:Dec 1, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Edward Markey

D - MA

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Environmental Protection

Summary

The Targeting Environmental and Climate Recklessness Act authorizes sanctions against foreign actors whose actions significantly exacerbate climate change, such as building new coal plants or engaging in illegal deforestation. The bill frames climate action as both an environmental and national security imperative, noting that climate inaction has given China strategic competitive advantages.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The Targeting Environmental and Climate Recklessness Act authorizes sanctions against foreign actors whose actions significantly exacerbate climate change, such as building new coal plants or engaging in illegal deforestation. The bill frames climate action as both an environmental and national security imperative, noting that climate inaction has given China strategic competitive advantages.

Last updated: 12/27/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Authorizes sanctions for significant actions that worsen climate change
Targets illegal deforestation operations linked to criminal networks and violence
Notes 2024 was first year average temps exceeded 1.5°C threshold
Warns of catastrophic effects: heat deaths, wildfires, droughts, flooding
Criticizes Trump administration withdrawal from Paris Agreement
Expands sanctions framework beyond terrorism/drugs to include climate harm

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Could affect foreign companies and individuals engaged in high-emission activities like coal power development or Amazon deforestation. Creates new category of economic sanctions for environmental harm. Would impact transnational criminal organizations involved in illegal logging. Low-income communities and communities of color cited as most affected by climate impacts the bill seeks to prevent.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Environmental Protection

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

3282, 119th Congress (2025). "Targeting Environmental and Climate Recklessness Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-s-3282