(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, (D-Coachella) participant in the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference where the Paris Climate Agreement was struck, has released the following statements regarding President Trump’s intent to withdrawal:
“President Trump’s intent to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement is discouraging, not only for our nation but for the nearly 200 other countries that signed onto this historic accord. This has only elevated California’s role in the global effort to combat climate change. While the nation is taking steps to surrender its position as the ‘leader of the free world;’ under the direction of Governor Brown our golden state is stepping up. Decisions made in Washington will not and cannot stop progress in California.”
Assemblymember Garcia, Chair of the California Legislature’s new Joint Committee on Climate Change Policies would additionally like to highlight strides California has already made in partnership with nations across the globe:
“Last year, our state captured international attention when we passed SB 32 (Pavely, 2016) and AB 197 (E. Garcia, 2016). This legislation set landmark emission reduction targets and heralded on a new era of equitable and transparent climate policies, geared to drive investments into areas most affected by pollution. Communities like those in my district, living with the severe public health consequences of climate change.”
“California has also signed the Under2 Memorandum of Understanding with close to 180 countries and states who have united to combat climate change and improve air quality.”
“As a newly appointed member of the California Air Resources Board, I am proud to say that thanks to the dedicated efforts of the board, our state is now breathing the cleanest air since the instillation of our first air quality monitors, over 40 years ago. We are actively working to enhance the international cooperation needed to optimize quality of life, expand trade, investments and grow a robust clean green economy.”
