Ex-Im Bank expected to rise in importance after climate talks

By John Siciliano, John Siciliano

Published December 20, 2015

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Future U.S. climate change plans likely will hinge on the embattled Export-Import Bank and other programs that have faced increased congressional scrutiny in recent years, say environmental consultants.

A report issued Monday by consulting firm Climate Advisers discusses the role of the bank in any future climate change strategy for Obama or his successor.

Obama's real challenge will come after the Paris talks in December, not before, the report says. It stresses the benefits of existing programs, such as the Ex-Im Bank, in helping to spur exports of clean energy, because they rely less on congressional appropriations. The environmental consultants say exporting clean energy to developing countries through such programs is the best route for increasing cuts in emissions that they say will be needed after the Paris talks.