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U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement on President Trump’s announcement that the United States will withdraw from the landmark Paris Climate Accord.

“President Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accord is stunning. In walking away from one of the most important international agreements of the last century – signed by nearly every other nation on earth – the President is ignoring the reality of climate change while signaling to the world that we are no longer willing to be a leader in addressing one of our most pressing global threats.

“This abdication of American leadership jeopardizes not only our credibility on the world stage, but our ability to achieve energy freedom and to innovate and compete in the new energy economy, costing our country the new jobs and businesses that come with it. Joining Nicaragua and Syria as the only countries not included in the agreement is dangerous and shortsighted and will have devastating consequences for the future of our planet and the health of our people, as well as our national security and economic competitiveness.

“What cannot be denied is that sea levels are rising, oceans are warming and icebergs are melting. Weather patterns are becoming more severe, floods are devastating communities, droughts are threatening crops and wildlife, and freshwater supplies are in danger. Ignoring or denying these problems won’t make them go away. Now more than ever, it is critical that we work together with states, cities and the business community to continue to support efforts that will halt the effects of climate change, regardless of the administration’s actions, so that we may uphold our responsibility to protect this planet for future generations.”