12.13.15

Ranking Member Grijalva Hails Global Climate Agreement, Looks Forward to Stronger Future Standards

Washington, D.C. – Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) hailed today’s announcement of the new global climate accord reached in Paris, calling it the most important step yet taken in the world effort to head off the damage climate change threatens to human life.

“Today’s agreement is more than a legislative or diplomatic milestone,” Grijalva said. “I sincerely hope and believe that it’s the beginning of a new phase in human history. I join the people of Southern Arizona in sharing my heartfelt gratitude to President Obama, Secretary Kerry and our entire team for the hard work and commitment they brought to this effort from the beginning.”

Grijalva urged quick action by the Republican-controlled Congress to fund and support the agreement.

“Too many people have spent their careers pretending that climate change is a hoax perpetrated by shadowy environmental groups and Machiavellian research scientists,” Grijalva said. “The American public knows full well that’s not the case. We all need to think beyond tomorrow’s political headlines and consider how our actions at this crucial moment in history will be remembered by our grandchildren. Serious leaders no longer consider sitting on our hands an option, especially with our allies agreeing to shared sacrifices and ambitious future targets.”

Grijalva expressed his hope that more stringent and binding standards would be agreed upon at the earliest possible date.

“I understand that today’s Republican congressional majority won’t approve enforceable climate quality standards. That shouldn’t stop us from setting them as soon as possible. As others have noted, today is the beginning rather than the end of our common efforts to reduce our emissions. I look forward to playing a productive role in the important work yet to be done to protect our country, our people and our planet for the sake of the many lives yet to be lived on Planet Earth.”

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