Congressman Lowenthal Statement on Paris Climate Agreement Reaching Implementation Threshold

Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47) today issued the following statement regarding President Obama's announcement that the historic Paris Climate Accord between the United States and nearly 200 countries has reached the international threshold for implementation:

"With the Paris Agreement on climate change reaching its global implementation threshold this week, we have crossed a major milestone toward historic international progress on climate change. 

"The Paris Agreement is a global acknowledgement that denial and delay are no longer acceptable, and the only way forward is through cooperation and action.  Through this agreement, the nations of the world have signaled their unity in moving forward on a cleaner path that leads to a safer and more secure future for us all. It is an ambitious, transparent, and durable international climate agreement that will ensure countries like China compete on a level playing field and are held accountable for ambitious climate action of their own.

"As chair of the House Safe Climate Caucus, I believe Congress should embrace this opportunity and I am working across the aisle to advance the dialogue from the denial of yesterday to the solutions of tomorrow.  Strong U.S. and international action to reduce carbon pollution is critical for the health of our communities, the strength of our economy, and the future of our climate."