Curbelo applauds Tillerson signing climate change declaration

U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) called U.S. leadership on climate change “essential” on Friday after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson signed a declaration acknowledging the impact of climate change on the Arctic region.

Curbelo and U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), the co-chairs of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, applauded Tillerson’s signing of the Fairbanks Declaration with leaders of Arctic countries. In addition to acknowledging the impact of climate change and pollution on the Arctic, the joint statement notes entry into force of the Paris Agreement, a multilateral plan to combat global warming.

“American leadership on climate stewardship is essential to reducing greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, and by keeping a seat at the table, we have an opportunity to ensure our research, ingenuity, and innovation are part of global conversation and initiatives,” Curbelo said. “It is significant the former-chief executive officer of the world’s largest oil company recognizes the threat climate change poses, and I commend Secretary Tillerson for his steadfast advocacy.”

Curbelo and Deutch led members of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus in a letter urging President Donald Trump to uphold America’s commitments in the Paris Agreement in April.

“Given the trillions of dollars in cleaner energy investments and countless good-paying American jobs that would result from remaining in the Paris Agreement, I again urge President Trump to make sure our country keeps its commitment to lead,” Curbelo said.

Deutch said he was “cautiously pleased” by Tillerson’s decision to sign the Fairbanks Declaration.

“The Fairbanks Declaration is a clear acknowledgment that the Arctic is quickly warming and a resounding pledge by the Arctic countries to address the impacts of climate change on our world, including reducing methane and carbon emissions,” Deutch said. “If the administration is signaling that it’s ready to get serious on climate change, the president should unequivocally reaffirm our pledge to the Paris Agreement and follow through with climate-friendly policies.”