Thursday, July 13, 2017

United States Climate Alliance Launches Website


The United States Climate Alliance today announced the launch of a new website to inform Americans on state actions to address climate change after the U.S. was the lone holdout in affirming the Paris Agreement at the G20 Summit. The new website includes information about the composition of the Alliance, member commitments, and guiding principles, while providing updates on the progress members are making to meet or exceed the emission reductions targets of the Paris Agreement.

In response to the Trump Administration's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., and Washington State Governor Jay Inslee formed the Alliance to convene states and territories committed to achieving the U.S. goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 26-28 percent from 2005 levels.

Today, the United States Climate Alliance includes 14 members representing more than 33 percent of the U.S. population and $7.16 trillion in GDP. The members include California, Colorado, New York, Washington, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.

"As the federal government abdicates its responsibility and ignores basic science, states across the nation are picking up the mantle of climate leadership," said Governor Cuomo. "The U.S. Climate Alliance is committed to meeting the standards set forth in the Paris Agreement regardless of Washington’s irresponsible actions. Together we are showing the world it’s possible to protect our planet while also creating good-paying jobs and growing our economies. This new website will keep citizens updated on all the actions taken by the Alliance."

"While some bury their heads in the sand, this coalition of states is committed to taking responsible climate action and fulfilling the Paris Agreement," said Governor Brown.
 
"Since launching the Alliance last month we are proud to now be 14 members strong," said Governor Inslee. "We are ready to leverage our considerable collective authority to act on climate through policies related to clean energy, utilities, transportation and more."

The Alliance today released guiding principles for its members:

States are continuing to lead on climate change: Alliance states recognize that climate change presents a serious threat to the environment and our residents, communities, and economy.

State-level climate action is benefitting our economies and strengthening our communities: Alliance members are growing our clean energy economies and creating new jobs, while reducing air pollution, improving public health, and building more resilient communities.

States are showing the nation and the world that ambitious climate action is achievable:  Despite the U.S. federal government’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, Alliance members are committed to supporting the international agreement, and are pursuing aggressive climate action to make progress toward its goals.

The new website is available at www.usclimatealliance.org

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

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