Climate Change News: House Democrats Rebuke Trump, Back Paris Climate Agreement

House Democrats on Friday introduced legislation in support of the 2015 Paris climate agreement after President Trump had announced a withdrawal in June 2017 citing that it would undermine the U.S. economy.

The nonbinding resolution, submitted by Rep. Jared Huffman of California, is considered a starting point in reaffirming the U.S. "commitment to the Paris Agreement and that the United States is still in and should not withdraw."

Nearly 60 House Democrats offered their support for the resolution, which comes after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in January called climate change "the existential threat of our time" and while Democrats are offering a Green New Deal.

Michael Brune, the executive director of the Oakland-based Sierra Club, released a statement Friday in support of the Democrats' efforts.

"In just one week, House Democrats have taken more action on climate change than their Republican counterparts did over the last eight years," the statement read. "The American people, along with the people of the world, have long recognized the vital threat the climate crisis poses for our communities, our livelihoods, and our planet. While the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress continue to ignore the greatest challenge of our time, the American people are charting a new path forward by taking action in their communities, and by electing leaders who are ready to step up and face the climate crisis head-on.

"Despite Donald Trump’s rhetoric, cities and states across America have continued to work towards meeting our Paris commitments. The Sierra Club applauds House Democrats for reaffirming their commitment to making America a climate leader again."

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, also joined House Democrats in supporting the Paris agreement.

The U.S. remains in the global pact despite Trump's mostly symbolic rhetoric, since it takes years to actually withdraw from the nonbinding guidelines.

The Obama administration sought to cut U.S. emissions 26 to 28 percent by 2025 from below their 2005 levels.

So far, the goals of the Paris agreement struggle to be met. Studies released in December by the Global Carbon Project showed that global carbon dioxide emissions rose roughly 2.7 percent from 2017 to 2018, marking the sharpest increase in seven years.