Pallone Statement on Historic Global Climate Accord

Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) issued the following statement applauding the landmark climate change deal reached in Paris today at the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP21):

"Today, the international community has come together to say, unequivocally, that we stand united in the fight against global climate change. With this agreement, the United States and nearly 200 nations, have pledged to aggressively tackle the threats posed by climate change now in order to leave a safer, healthier planet for future generations.

"The Paris Agreement is the most significant achievement to advance unified and global climate action in nearly two decades. It ensures all nations will continue to take meaningful steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to reduce the effects of climate change - steps that we are already taking at home through balanced policies like the Clean Power Plan. It also represents an unprecedented opportunity for the United States as the world leader in clean energy technology and only stands to gain from the markets that will grow out of this landmark agreement.

"I congratulate President Obama, Secretary Kerry, and Todd Stern, along with the entire U.S. negotiating team, who have worked so skillfully to achieve this historic moment. I look forward to working with them to ensure the successful fulfillment of our commitments and implementation of this agreement."