Commentary: U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations committees, released the following statement on the agreement reached by the United States and almost 200 other countries to fight climbing temperatures and rising sea levels by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Udall was among a group of 10 senators who attended the United Nations climate talks in Paris last weekend. He has also been a strong defender of U.S. action on climate change, including leading the fight on the Appropriations Committee against “riders” that would roll back the administration’s plan to reduce carbon emissions.
“The agreement announced in Paris today marks a major turning point in the fight to reduce harmful greenhouse gas pollution. After 20 years of debate and two weeks of intense negotiations, the United States and almost 200 other countries have overcome numerous differences and challenges and agreed to work together on a plan to turn the tide on global warming. Every nation has a stake if climate change continues, and now nearly every nation in the world will have a role to play in fighting it. All nations must now work toward a healthier, more secure world for our children and the generations to come.
"New Mexico has already seen the impact of global warming in the form of devastating wildfires, droughts and floods. We are also seeing the benefits of investing in clean energy like wind and solar. The commitment to diversify our energy sources is boosting the economy and creating new jobs. New Mexico and the United States have the knowledge and entrepreneurial drive to lead the global clean energy economy. Now we need to capitalize on the international agreement and lead the world in reducing carbon pollution and fighting global warming."
Udall has long fought for a national plan to invest in renewable energy. He passed a renewable electricity standard (RES) through the U.S. House of Representatives, and he has introduced a similar RES every Congress since he was elected to the U.S. Senate. His latest proposalcalls for the United States to generate 30 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2030. Doing so would create hundreds of thousands of jobs and save consumers $25 billion in cumulative electricity and gas bills over 15 years.