Mission not Emissions Act
The passage of this bill would potentially alter the landscape of federal contracting by shielding contractors from disclosing environmental impact information. Proponents argue that it would alleviate burdens on businesses, making it easier for them to engage in federal contracts without the complexities associated with greenhouse gas reporting requirements. They contend this could enhance job creation and economic opportunities, particularly in industries sensitive to regulatory oversight. Conversely, the bill may undermine efforts related to climate accountability, leading to significant debates about the broader repercussions for environmental regulation and corporate responsibility on a national scale.
House Bill 3358, referred to as the 'Mission not Emissions Act', seeks to prohibit any requirement for recipients of Federal contracts to disclose greenhouse gas emissions and associated climate-related financial risks. The bill specifically endeavors to prevent contractors from being mandated to submit greenhouse gas inventories, which categorize emissions into Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3, or to set greenhouse gas reduction targets. This legislative measure was introduced to address concerns regarding federal regulatory approaches to climate disclosure, reflecting a significant policy stance against the current federal push for transparency on environmental impacts associated with government contracts.
Notably, the bill has sparked controversy and debate among legislators and the public. Supporters assert that the requirement for such disclosures imposes unwarranted burdens on businesses, especially those that are small or medium-sized, thus arguing for a more business-friendly regulatory environment. Opponents, however, see the bill as a regression in environmental governance, arguing that it limits necessary transparency that stakeholders, including investors and consumers, need to make informed decisions regarding the ecological impact of companies. The discussions surrounding HB3358 reveal a deeper ideological divide on how climate change and corporate responsibility should be managed at the federal level.