Bill Summary
The "No Climate Treaties Act of 2026" is a proposed legislation that aims to ensure that any international climate agreement, including reentry into existing agreements like the Paris Agreement, requires the approval of the U.S. Senate before the United States can participate. Under this act, such agreements would be classified as treaties, necessitating Senate advice and consent as outlined in the Constitution. Additionally, the legislation prohibits the use of federal funds to implement, enforce, or comply with any international climate agreements unless they have received the required Senate approval. This act emphasizes the legislative branch's role in international climate policy and seeks to limit executive power in entering binding climate commitments.
Possible Impacts
The "No Climate Treaties Act of 2026" could affect people in several significant ways:
1. **Impact on Climate Action Programs**: By requiring Senate approval for international climate agreements, the act could delay or obstruct the implementation of crucial climate programs. This could ultimately affect individuals and communities that are already facing the impacts of climate change, such as severe weather events, rising sea levels, and health risks related to air quality. Without timely action, these communities may experience worsening conditions.
2. **Economic Consequences**: The restriction on federal funds for international climate agreements could hinder investments in clean energy and green technology initiatives that create jobs and stimulate economic growth. People employed in renewable energy sectors might face job instability, and potential job creation in these industries could be stymied, limiting economic opportunities for workers and communities transitioning away from fossil fuels.
3. **International Relations and Reputation**: By making it more difficult for the U.S. to engage in or commit to international climate agreements, the act may affect the country’s relationships with other nations. This could lead to diplomatic tensions or reduced cooperation on global issues, which may influence Americans' standing in international forums. Individuals may experience repercussions in terms of global trade, travel, or international collaboration on scientific and technological advancements related to climate change.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3713 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 3713
To require the advice and consent of the Senate for entry or reentry
into any international climate agreement, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
January 28, 2026
Mr. Barrasso (for himself, Mr. Marshall, Mrs. Blackburn, Mr. Cassidy,
Mr. Lee, Mr. Scott of Florida, Mrs. Moody, Mr. Hoeven, Mr. Cornyn, Mr.
Cotton, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Risch, Ms. Lummis, Mr. Boozman,
Mr. Hagerty, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Tuberville, Mr. Cruz, Mr. Johnson, Mr.
Sheehy, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Hawley, and Mr. Paul) introduced the following
bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign
Relations
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To require the advice and consent of the Senate for entry or reentry
into any international climate agreement, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``No Climate Treaties Act of 2026''.
SEC. 2. REQUIREMENT FOR SENATE ADVICE AND CONSENT FOR ENTRY OR REENTRY
INTO INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE AGREEMENTS.
Any agreement providing for the entry or reentry of the United
States into an international climate agreement or an agreement
mandating legally binding reductions in domestic greenhouse gas
emissions, including the decision of the 21st Conference of Parties of
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, adopted in
Paris December 12, 2015 (commonly known as the ``Paris Agreement''),
shall be considered a treaty and submitted to the Senate for its advice
and consent under clause 2 of section 2 of article II of the
Constitution of the United States.
SEC. 3. RESTRICTION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE
AGREEMENTS.
No Federal funds may be obligated or expended to implement,
enforce, or otherwise comply with any international climate agreement
or agreement mandating legally binding reductions in domestic
greenhouse gas emissions unless the agreement has received the advice
and consent of the Senate under clause 2 of section 2 of article II of
the Constitution of the United States.
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