McEachin Statement on Expected Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement

Statement

Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) issued the following statement in response to reports that President Trump is expected to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement to combat climate change and limit the rise in global temperatures:

"Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement is reckless, irresponsible, and yet another rejection of scientific truths. While other countries are already transitioning to a clean energy economy, we must do the same. Rejecting this global climate effort will jeopardize our security, our health, our environment, and our strategic partnerships around the globe. Sustaining our Earth for future generations depends on international agreements to reduce our carbon footprint -- the United States has been and should be a world leader in this effort, not an obstructionist.

"We have a moral obligation to our children and our children's children to leave behind a healthy, sustainable planet. The Paris Agreement is an essential step in that direction. We need to limit the increase in global temperatures and combat sea level rise by promoting renewable energies and supporting innovative efforts that produce green jobs. President Trump has promised to create jobs and put people back to work. This abrogation of our participation does just the opposite.

"In light of these reports, I call on President Trump to reconsider this decision and, instead to work with our allies to address climate change, strengthen relationships, and build a new green economy."

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