Hoyer Statement on Climate Agreement

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after a final agreement was reached at the COP21 Paris Climate Summit:

“This evening, leaders from 195 nations reached agreement on a historic deal to curb carbon emissions and begin to reverse the course of climate change. The Paris Agreement is both ambitious in scope and achievable. It requires every nation to contribute, even rapidly developing countries like India and China. Only this kind of approach, with every nation sharing responsibility and taking steps to mitigate carbon pollution, can enable us to reach the goal of keeping global temperatures from exceeding 1.5°C over pre-industrial levels. If we can do so, we have a chance not only to prevent dangerous climate trends from becoming permanent but also to start reversing climate change. 

“The Paris Agreement represents an opportunity for American ingenuity, innovation, and entrepreneurship to continue leading the world in the development and deployment of new industrial technologies - ones that are clean and energy efficient. As the world moves away from reliance on fossil fuels, we will have a chance to compete for economic leadership over that transition by investing in research, more efficient power generation and infrastructure, and a highly skilled workforce. I know that our nation can lead the way, and I hope Congress can take bipartisan steps to ensure that it does. 

“I want to thank President Obama for his vision and leadership toward reaching this agreement and our French allies for their role in bringing all parties into consensus. I also want to express my gratitude to Secretary Kerry, Secretary Moniz, and the U.S. negotiating team for their hard work to ensure that the Paris Agreement provides America with an opportunity to lead on climate change and compete for a stronger economy here at home in the years to come.”