Sarbanes Statement on Paris Climate Agreement

Statement

Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) issued the following statement today after representatives from 195 countries reached an agreement in Paris to reduce carbon emissions and to keep global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius:

"The historic agreement achieved in Paris this weekend is a defining moment in our effort to tackle global climate change. It will help minimize some of climate change's worst effects -- including severe drought, extreme weather, sea-level rise and nuisance flooding -- which many communities in Maryland and around the country already experience on a regular basis.

"The ambitious Paris agreement requires every nation -- developed and developing -- to commit itself to meaningful emissions reduction goals. It also creates a robust and transparent reporting system to ensure that all countries live up to their commitments. Importantly, the agreement presents an opportunity for the United States to pave the way in clean energy innovation. I am confident that with American ingenuity and with a deep sense of commitment from the public and private sectors, we can realize our carbon reduction goals and help other nations reach their targets as well.

"I want to congratulate President Obama, Secretary Kerry, chief negotiator Todd Stern, White House Climate Advisor Brian Deese and the entire U.S. negotiating team for their tireless efforts in reaching this tremendous agreement."

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