The US power industry and its unions are rarely assiduous cheerleaders of campaigns for higher taxes and tighter environmental standards. But the energy barons become more enthusiastic when American lawmakers are seeking to impose those burdens on other countries.
Traditionally, many trade officials, particularly from developing countries, have been suspicious that environmental provisions in trade agreements are covert protectionism by rich nations. Sure enough, several wealthy countries are mulling taxing imports to take account of greenhouse gases emitted during their manufacture. The plans are in their early stages, but they may at the very least serve as a negotiating tactic to get reluctant countries to agree to control emissions themselves.
