Washington, D.C. - Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) is joining a bicameral Congressional Delegation trip, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), to Madrid, Spain for the 2019 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as COP25.
“I’m proud to join Speaker Pelosi and other Congressional environmental leaders in attending COP25 to demonstrate to the world our continued and strong commitment to the Paris Climate Accord," Pallone said. “I oppose President Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord and will continue to fight to ensure we remain a part of this landmark global agreement."
Pallone said the United States would not officially withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement until after the 2020 election. The next President could quickly rejoin the accord.
In the meantime, Pallone is leading an effort in his Committee to draft legislation with the goal of achieving a 100 percent clean economy by 2050. This plan is consistent with the global scientific community’s consensus that meeting this target is necessary to avoid the most catastrophic effects of the climate crisis. Pallone hopes to have his proposal ready by the end of this year.
Pallone said COP25 is particularly important to coastal states, like New Jersey, because of its emphasis on the oceans.
“COP25 will focus on the devastating impacts climate change is having on our oceans. A recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change confirmed what many Americans are already experiencing - less productive oceans, rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events. I look forward to discussing ways that we can collectively work together to address ocean issues that are seriously undermining entire marine ecosystems, fresh water, fisheries and coastal economies," Pallone continued.
“Despite the President’s dangerous and shortsighted decision, we want the world to know that we are still in and are committed to combating climate change with bold and aggressive action. The bottom line is the countries that are out front on climate action will benefit the most in terms of innovation, job creation and economic growth. It would be foolish for the United States not to take the lead," Pallone concluded.
