Shaheen to Lead Senate Legislation Directing the Administration to Meet Standards Set by the Paris Climate Agreement

Statement

Ahead of the two-year anniversary since President Trump declared his intention to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) announced that she'll lead legislation in the Senate to mitigate the long-term damage caused by the Trump administration's anti-environment actions. Shaheen's legislation would prevent the President from using funds to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord. Instead, the bill directs the Trump administration to develop a strategic plan for the country to meet its commitment and standards as required under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, which the United States joined with nearly 200 other nations. Shaheen's bill -- the International Climate Accountability Act -- also makes clear that the Paris Climate Agreement is critical to strengthening international cooperation to reduce global greenhouse emissions and hold high-emission nations accountable, and recognizes the important role the Agreement plays in protecting and advancing U.S. economic interests and foreign policy priorities around the globe.

Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14) introduced companion legislation, which passed the House of Representatives earlier this month.

"Our planet is getting hotter and our carbon dioxide level is the highest it's been in human history. Extreme weather is taking lives and leveling structures across the country. The climate crisis is real and it is here," said Shaheen. "The effects of climate change can be clearly seen in New Hampshire, threatening homes and livelihoods. The President's intention to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement is highly reckless and unravels significant progress made to mitigate the effects of climate change. Economists, business representatives, military leaders and other experts are sounding the alarm. Once a leader in the global community on combating this emergency, President Trump has relegated the United States as the lone nation withdrawing from the Agreement. This legislation would help re-establish the United States' commitment to combating climate change and reclaim our leadership on the world stage."

Senator Shaheen has led efforts in the Senate to combat climate change. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Shaheen traveled to Paris to participate in high-level discussions at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference that led to the international Paris Climate Accord. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Shaheen has historically helped secure increased funding for several energy efficiency and renewable energy programs at the Department of Energy. Shaheen has also consistently spoken out in opposition to the President's anti-environment agenda, and has fought his continued efforts to invalidate scientific evidence of climate change. Shaheen opposed Environmental Protection Agency Administrator (EPA) Andrew Wheeler's confirmation, in part, due to his failure to respond to climate change.

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