Press Release
NCEL Statement on President Biden Rejoining the Paris Agreement
January 20, 2021
Statement from NCEL Board President Beth Kerttula:
State legislative leaders greatly welcome President Biden’s executive action for the U.S. to rejoin the Paris Agreement. As the federal government begins a renewed focus on climate action, states stand ready to serve as vital partners and models for bold policies to help meet and exceed the Paris Agreement’s carbon reduction goals.
In 2017, over 550 state legislators from 45 states committed to state climate action. Their success is clear when looking at climate action over the past four years. Eleven states have committed to a transition to 100% clean energy, and other states have passed laws implementing carbon emission reduction targets. States also continue to innovate on advancing renewables, efficiency, storage, electrified transportation, and a smart, resilient electrical grid. These solutions will lead the world in eliminating carbon emissions and other pollutants.
State legislators look forward to being real partners, working with and inspiring the federal government to ensure a clean, healthy environment for us all.
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Created by and for state legislators, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that organizes over 1,000 environmentally committed state legislators from all 50 states and both parties. NCEL provides venues and opportunities for lawmakers to share ideas and collaborate on environmental issues.