Trump pulling US from Paris climate pact

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump declared Thursday he was withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement, striking a major blow to environmental activists’ efforts to promote action against alleged climate change. He said the U.S. would try to re-enter but only if it can get more favorable terms.

Framing his decision as “a reassertion of America’s sovereignty,” he said, “I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris.”

Ending weeks of speculation he said, “As of today, the United States will cease all implementation of the nonbinding Paris accord.”

Under former President Barack Obama, the U.S. had agreed under the accord to reduce energy emissions by about 1.6 billion tons by 2025. But the targets were voluntary, meaning the U.S. and the nearly 200 other nations in the agreement could alter their commitments.

Trump said that he would begin negotiations to re-enter the agreement or establish “an entirely new transaction” to get a better deal for the U.S. But he suggested re-entry was hardly a priority. “If we can, great. If we can’t, that’s fine,” he said.

By abandoning the accord, Trump was fulfilling a top campaign pledge.

Trump’s decision marked “a sad day for the global community,” said Miguel Arias Canete, climate action commissioner for the European Union. German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

At home in America, the U.S.

Conference of Mayors said it strongly opposed the decision and said mayors will continue efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming. The group’s vice president, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said the action “is shortsighted and will be devastating to Americans in the long run.” He said without citing evidence that sea level rise could mean that cities like his “will cease to exist.”

Trump said the agreement disadvantaged the U.S. to the exclusive benefit of other countries, leaving American businesses and taxpayers to absorb the cost.

“This agreement is less about the climate and more about other countries gaining a financial advantage over the United States,” he said, claiming that other countries have laughed at the U.S. for agreeing to the terms.”

As Trump announced his plans, it was 83 degrees Fahrenheit in Washington, a bit higher than the 80-degree average high for the day but well below the 2011 record of 98. Business investors seemed pleased, with stock prices, already up for the day, bumping higher as he spoke. The Dow Jones industrial average rising 135 points for the day.

Trump promised to stop implementation immediately.