States vow to uphold Paris Agreement

Three Democrat state governors—from California, New York and Washington—launched a state-based initiative to independently uphold the terms of the Paris Agreement on climate change, hours after President Donald Trump formally announced that the United States would withdraw from the pact.

The coalition, called the United States Climate Alliance, would see states make their own commitment to reduce 2005-level carbon emissions 26 to 28 percent by 2025.

The governors of Connecticut and Virginia also signaled potential interest in joining the alliance.

Several mayors of U.S. cities, universities, and businesses have also announced they will stick to the terms of the Paris agreement independently.

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu has so far been silent on the subject of the Paris pact. However, the Granite State’s Congressional delegation has signaled clear dismay with Trump’s decision.

“Climate change is not only a direct and growing threat to New Hampshire’s environment and economy, but to our national security as well,” said Senator Jeanne Shaheen. “The Trump administration has just squandered an historic opportunity to curb global emissions and mitigate the dangerous effects of climate change.”

Supporters of a commitment by New Hampshire to independently uphold the Paris Agreement argue that the move would signal to the international community that the Granite State is still committed to fighting climate change and to upholding its end of the Paris bargain, even without support from Washington.

However, opponents counter that keeping to the terms of the Paris Agreement would drive up energy costs, which are already among the highest in the nation, hurting business and job growth. They note that the agreement was never ratified by Congress, and that innovation and the rise in use of natural gas is already causing a significant reduction in emissions without imposing artificial limits or deadlines.

It is also possible that any debate over the accord in New Hampshire would be largely symbolic. The state’s existing clean energy programs—RGGI and the Renewable Portfolio Standard—already have New Hampshire on track to reduce emissions to 35-45% of 1990 levels by 2030, and to get 25% of our energy from renewable sources by 2025.

Learn more about those programs here: RGGI / RenewablePortfolio Standard

Do you think New Hampshire should resolve to uphold the Paris Agreement on climate change? Leave a comment and have your say.