Vermont Business Magazine Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and Congressman Welch (D-Vermont) issued scathing statements Thursday afternoon after President Donald Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. Republican Governor PhilScott also disagreed with the president's decision, but was more measured in his response.
Leahy: “America gave its word to nearly 200 countries. America stays great when the world knows we'll keep our word. It doesn’t make America great to break our word.
“It would be a travesty to squander this moment of world unity, forged through U.S. leadership, and to undermine our early lead in building the new energy economy that promises millions of good jobs here at home. We are at our best when we work toward a common goal, and nearly every nation on Earth has agreed to do exactly that. The rest of the world will now move ahead toward a future of clean energy and related economic growth, with us taking a step back from leadership.
“This great leap backward is another bow to anti-science know-nothingism. Pandering to a handful of billionaires and special interests would impose huge harm upon our generation, upon future generations, and upon our fragile planet. A habitable and healthy planet are not frivolous goals. They are essential, and they require sound and smart stewardship. We cannot change these facts by ignoring science and pretending not to see the clear evidence of climate change.
“I will be fighting to ensure that this stroke of the president’s pen does not derail Vermonters’ hard work and leadership to protect our communities from climate risk, and that it does not deter the entrepreneurs and innovators in Vermont and other states who are expanding the world markets for the clean green energy and conservation technologies that will shape our future. Climate change is a monumental challenge that the world must face together. As a nation we should be embracing the chance to lead the world with a clean energy economy that supports American manufacturing, American jobs and American values.”
Sanders: "President Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement is an abdication of American leadership and aninternational disgrace. Atthis moment, when climate change is already causing devastating harm around the world, we do not have the moral right to turn our backs on efforts to preserve this planet for future generations.
"The United States must play a leading role in the global campaign to stop climate change and transition rapidly away from fossil fuels to renewable and more efficient sources of energy. We must do this with or without the support of Donald Trump and the fossil fuel industry."
Welch: “Today, President Trump walked away from the greatest challenge of our time. His decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement is a stunning rejection of science, international cooperation, and economic opportunity. It imperils our national and global security, and will do irreversible harm to our planet. American leadership is essential to preserving our planet for future generations. This fight is not over. We will move forward without him.”
Scott:“The President’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement is disappointing and concerning, particularly given the widespread and non-partisan support from business and political leaders for remaining in the Agreement.
“Vermont has taken a leadership role in addressing climate change, and the President’s decision today only strengthens our commitment. We have strong, regional multi-state partnerships through the Coalition of Northeast Governors (CONEG) and have made much progress in reducing the region’s carbon emissions, and we will maintain this work because it is the right and responsible thing to do.
“We will continue to do our share in a way that creates jobs, makes our state more affordable for families and businesses, and protects our environment for future generations.”