Congressman Suozzi Issues Statement in Response to President Trump’s Decision to Abandon Paris Climate Agreement
Long Island, NY - June 2, 2017 - Congressman Tom Suozzi (D – Long Island, Queens) made the following statement shortly after President Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement.
“Today’s decision by the President to remove the U.S. from the Paris Agreement is a bad one. Climate change is a real and existential threat that must be taken seriously, and this move by the President is a strong signal that he has little interest in protecting our planet. America has a critical role to play in the fight against climate change, and this decision will harm our standing across the globe on this issue. I’m pleased to hear that some of my Republican colleagues on the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus have already expressed opposition to the President’s decision to withdraw from this agreement.
"The President claims that he will try and negotiate a better economic deal, but his presentation suggests that he is willing to abandon our goal of reducing carbon emissions. In addition, this decision could influence nations like China -- the largest emitter of carbon in the world -- to withdraw from the agreement as well, which would only harm our planet further. While it appears the U.S. cannot completely withdraw from the agreement until 2020, the steps taken today are a big step in the wrong direction.
“We need to move towards a clean energy economy because 1) we must eliminate our independence on foreign oil, 2) America needs to create green economy jobs instead of China and other global competitors, and 3) it’s good for the environment."
Congressman Suozzi is Co-Chair of the bipartisan Long Island Sound Caucus and a member of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus.