Fossil Free Financing Act: New Rules for Banks and Climate
This act aims to compel large banks to gradually withdraw from financing fossil fuel and deforestation-related projects. This means banks will need to submit plans to reduce emissions from their investments, potentially affecting credit availability for certain economic sectors and accelerating the transition to greener solutions.
Key points
Large banks (assets over $50 billion) must submit plans to reduce emissions from their financing activities.
Banks are required to stop financing new fossil fuel projects by January 1, 2023 (retroactive), and fully divest from all fossil fuel financing by January 1, 2030.
The act prohibits banks from financing activities that contribute to deforestation.
Non-compliance can lead to financial penalties, forced asset divestiture, and even loss of deposit insurance for banks.
The act mandates reporting on financed emissions and analysis of the impact of transitioning to a fossil-free economy on workers and communities.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_2443
Sponsor: Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7]
Process start date: 2023-03-30