Bipartisan Bill Seeks Dispute Panel Over Mexican Energy Laws
House Ways and Means Committee member Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, introduced a bill that would either require the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to seek a dispute settlement panel over Mexican energy policies, or to make compliance with USMCA in energy a condition of continuing a pact.
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
Communications Daily is required reading for senior executives at top telecom corporations, law firms, lobbying organizations, associations and government agencies (including the FCC). Join them today!
He and co-sponsors Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, and fellow Ways and Means member Rep. Carol Miller, R-W.Va., announced the move this week.
Arrington said in that press release: "In his landmark USMCA trade agreement, President Trump secured historic commitments to open Mexico’s energy markets to American investment and guarantee fair treatment for U.S. producers. Unfortunately, President Biden failed to enforce those commitments, allowing Mexico to break its promises and give preferential treatment to its state-run oil and power companies while shutting out American competition."
The previous administration held formal consultations on the issue, but the matter did not progress to a panel.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce lauded the bill. Senior Vice President John Murphy was quoted in the release as saying that "to unlock the agreement’s full potential and serve as a counterpoint to growing geopolitical tensions, Mexico’s new import permits for energy products, instances of policies that favor Mexican state-owned competitors, excessive red tape and administrative burdens, unjustified inspections, and customs and fiscal audits must be addressed. This bill is a welcome step toward resolving these systemic issues, restoring USMCA’s intended growth, and ensuring the agreement is fully enforced."