Trump Announces U.S. Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement

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Source: C-SPAN

Reactions to the Decision

Governor Andrew Cuomo: "The White House's reckless decision to withdraw from the Paris Accord has devastating repercussions not only for the United States, but for our planet. This administration is abdicating its leadership and taking a backseat to other countries in the global fight against climate change. New York State is committed to meeting the standards set forth in the Paris Accord regardless of Washington's irresponsible actions. We will not ignore the science and reality of climate change, which is why I am also signing an Executive Order confirming New York's leadership role in protecting our citizens, our environment, and our planet."

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Peter Iwanowicz, Executive Director, Environmental Advocates of New York (EANY): 

“What we cannot allow to be lost in the political chatter is that dirty air means sick kids. My son was born on the day President George W. Bush pulled the U.S. out of the Kyoto protocol. It’s a date seared into my brain. He’s 16 now, and since then the world has made enormous progress on climate action, in part, because states governed by Republicans and Democrats alike helped fill the void. They started to cut carbon emissions and support renewable energy with programs like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. As a result, they moved markets and cleaned our air.

"Reneging on the Paris Climate Agreement is not President Trump’s first attack on our lungs, and it won’t be the last. Still, the President cannot stop the progress that is happening. California is on track to wean itself off fossil fuels entirely by 2050. New York City is acting on an economy-wide plan focused on transportation and buildings.

"No one is positioned to make a more meaningful impact than Governor Cuomo – his decisions benefit a vast and diverse state and, unlike California, he already banned fracking. He’s opened the door to offshore wind, and can set a new standard for justice by investing in frontline communities bearing the brunt of climate change. Unfortunately, as bold as many of Governor Cuomo’s commitments have been, they are equally fragile as they can be undone by a future administration. What’s happening in D.C. cannot happen in New York, which is why we need the Governor’s commitments set into law.

"When any country, particularly one that pollutes as much per capita as the U.S., reneges on its commitments, it reflects poorly on all of us. But far worse, it means that our government is willfully making the choice to endanger lives.

"Today, someone in New York State became parents. Like me, they heard today’s news and are worried about their child’s future. And once again, Americans are looking to state leaders to step up and show their mettle. That should be Governor Cuomo.” 

Source: EANY