WASHINGTON, DC [03/28/17] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, the top Democrat on the House Science Committee's Environment Subcommittee, released the following statement after President Trump issued an executive order reversing the progress the United States has made to address climate change:
“Climate change is real, and it's a threat to the planet, the economy, and national security. President Obama was serious about addressing greenhouse gas emissions to curb climate change. He showed leadership by implementing the Clean Power Plan and signing the historic Paris Agreement.
“Today President Trump turned the clock back, weakened U.S. leadership, and sent us on a path that will exacerbate climate change. That's bad for our country and our planet. The executive order withdrawing the Clean Power Plan is contrary to the mission of the Environmental Protection Agency, and it severely undermines critical efforts to protect clean air and water. This order will have detrimental consequences for future generations. Additionally, promoting oil and gas development on public lands – including wildlife refuges – threatens the natural wonders of our country. The increased emissions—human contributions to climate change—will exacerbate and accelerate the very real threats posed by climate change; rising sea levels, increased temperatures, ocean acidification, and melting glaciers. This will have dire consequences for our environment, our economy, global food systems, and global poverty. The President’s move to demolish the Clean Power Plan also undermines the efforts of states around the country to address climate change. The President should be looking out for the interests of the American people, but he is instead putting their health and safety in danger.
“If the President is serious about creating American jobs, he needs to support making smart investments in renewable resources. Oregon entrepreneurs are developing clean energy technologies, and Oregon is leading the nation on comprehensive actions to reduce carbon emissions. As the top Democrat on the Environment Subcommittee, I’ll aggressively pursue innovative solutions to protect our environment for future generations.”
