We’re in the magical midpoint of the week with the (long) weekend in sight (thank you, veterans). But before you solidify plans, check out our ecoright news.
Caucus member speaks out: Pennsylvania’s Rep. Ryan Costello, a member of the House Climate Solutions Caucus, called President Donald Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord “unfortunate” and called on Congress “to chart an alternative course, or to reaffirm what the emission reductions should be in the next 15 to 20 years on our country.” At a conference sponsored by our cohorts at Clear Path, Costello said China is “cleaning our clock” on clean energy and “wining the clean energy race.” Costello called for a long-term strategy to secure innovation and advanced forms of energy.
The U.S. stands alone: Speaking of the Paris Climate Accord, Syria signed on, leaving the United States as the only country in the world to not be a party. A French official said President Donald Trump is not among the more than 100 world leaders invited to the Paris climate summit next month on the anniversary of the 2015 international agreement, as the invited heads of state are “especially committed” to the agreement.
Miami passes measure, elects new mayor: In an update to yesterday’s post, Miami voters passed a measure to finance projects intended to protect the city from the ravages of climate change, and also elected a new mayor. Mayor-elect Francis Suarez (R) will take the reins from Mayor Tomas Regalado, an outspoken advocate for climate action. About climate change, Suarez says “the city has to do a better job understanding climatic events and how to deal with them.”
See you tomorrow with probably some good jester action after today’s Senate Environment and Public Works confirmation hearings for two critical environment and natural resource positions.