Phoenix Mayor Stanton, others criticize Trump’s decision to leave Paris climate deal
Jun 2, 2017, 11:55 AM
(AP Photo/Ryan VanVelzer)
(AP Photo/Ryan VanVelzer)
PHOENIX — Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton joined a host of other mayors in criticizing President Donald Trump’s Thursday decision to leave the Paris Climate Accord.
In a statement posted to Facebook, Stanton said if the president will not take a stand for the environment, many mayors will.
“Phoenix and many other cities across the country are prepared to sign on to the Paris Accord,” he wrote.
Stanton said the effects of climate change could have an impact on Arizona.
“Climate change is already harming Arizona and threatens to further stress the Colorado River, impose prolonged drought, fuel even more dangerous wildfires, and increase high temperatures,” he wrote. “We can’t turn our backs.”
Stanton furthered his thoughts in a statement released by the United States Conference of Mayors, where he chairs the Environment Committee. He said environmental and economical concerns need not clash.
“A thriving economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are compatible by focusing on new technology, investing in renewable fuel sources, and increasing our energy efficiency,” Stanton wrote.
Other mayors also expressed their disappointment at Trump’s decision.
“Climate change is one of the greatest threats to our coastal communities, nation, and world, and we need coordinated action at all levels of government to meet the scale of its challenge,” New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said.
The mayor of Pittsburgh, a city Trump mentioned in his speech, said he also supported the accord in a tweet that went viral.
As the Mayor of Pittsburgh, I can assure you that we will follow the guidelines of the Paris Agreement for our people, our economy & future. https://t.co/3znXGTcd8C
— bill peduto (@billpeduto) June 1, 2017
During his speech, Trump said he decided to remove the U.S. from the deal because it wasn’t in America’s best interests. The president said he was “elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris.”
An Arizona congressman said he supported Trump’s decision.
“I fully support President Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement,” U.S. Rep. Trent Franks said. “In spite of the ridiculous and false narratives from the left, we all do in fact sincerely want to ensure our environment is protected.”
