Commentary: President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the Paris Climate Accord, the historic global agreement to act on climate change and move toward more sustainable and renewable energy sources. Democratic Party of New Mexico (DPNM) Chair Richard Ellenberg released the following statement on the effects the Republican administration’s withdrawal will have on New Mexico.
“With his withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, President Trump is telling New Mexico that he doesn’t support our solar, wind and clean energy industries. President Trump’s action signals a rejection of climate change science and a disregard for our state’s land, air and water,” said DPNM Chair Richard Ellenberg.
Earlier today, Republican Governors called on President Trump’s Secretary of Energy Rick Perry to continue the United States' commitment — Republican Governor Susana Martinez was absent from that letter, showing a lack of support for clean energy initiatives and the economic opportunity they create for the state.
DPNM Chair Richard Ellenberg continued, "Democrats know New Mexico has the opportunity to grow new industries while ensuring our communities have safe drinking water, clean air to breathe and beautiful landscapes that we treasure so much. We urge Governor Martinez to commit to act on irrefutable climate science and agree to adopt the standards the Paris Agreement sets forth."
China - the world’s biggest polluter - signed on to the agreement. Out of all the nations who recently met at the G7 summit, the United States was the only participant who did not recommit to the Paris climate agreement. The Republican agenda has put the United States on a list with Syria and Nicaragua as the only three countries in the world to oppose this historic agreement.