[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 98 (Thursday, June 8, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            OPPOSITION OF U.S. WITHDRAWAL ON CLIMATE CHANGE

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                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 8, 2017

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in opposition to 
President Trump's misguided decision to withdraw America from the Paris 
Climate Agreement. This agreement, which was negotiated and signed by 
President Obama, was a strong step in the right direction to combat 
climate change. The deal developed goals to reduce carbon pollution by 
increasing energy efficiency and investing in energy research and 
development.
   Joining Syria and Nicaragua, the United States is now one of three 
countries not participating in this groundbreaking pact of 195 nations. 
With this decision, President Trump has chosen to relinquish America's 
position as a leader in global environmental policy and thus, forfeits 
the United States from technological advancements and solar jobs that 
would drive our global economic growth. To retreat from the world stage 
gives other countries, such as China and Russia, the opportunity to 
gain universal influence.
   Moreover, President Trump's decision to break America's promise on 
energy commitment with no plan in place to reduce our carbon footprint 
jeopardizes our progress toward a more sustainable energy future. 
Because of the lack of leadership in the White House, citizens across 
our nation must rely on city and state officials to lead their 
communities in an effort to combat climate change.
   More than 200 mayors from around the United States have joined the 
Mayors National Climate Action Agenda to adopt, honor, and uphold the 
commitments to the goals enshrined in the Paris Agreement as well as 
strengthen local efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I am proud 
to say that Birmingham Mayor William Bell has joined this initiative.
   Our constituents deserve a responsible energy strategy that meets 
our obligation to protect the environment for future generations. This 
strategy should also include a proposed plan to eradicate environmental 
injustice, an issue that affects many Americans today, including 
citizens of my district.
   For example, Perry County is a largely African American community in 
Alabama where coal ash from around the country is dumped. Time and time 
again, we see that communities of color, as well as the poor, are 
burdened with the negative health outcomes that stem from exposure to 
pollution and industrial waste.
   America deserves a President that will work to establish an energy 
policy that will position the United States as an energy independent 
country that also leads the world toward a sustainable future.

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