U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, chair of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, criticized President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement.

WASHINGTON, DC – The Trump Administration today (Nov. 4) officially withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, a decision that makes the U.S. the only member of the United Nations to oppose the landmark effort to combat the climate crisis and cut carbon pollution in nations around the world.

Below is a statement from U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa. Castor is chair of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis and author of the Climate Action Now Act (H.R. 9), which would ensure the U.S. honors the commitments detailed in the Paris Accord:

“The president’s decision to pull the United States from the Paris Agreement today is further proof that we need bold congressional action to solve the climate crisis.

“By ignoring the science and the rising costs of the changing climate, [Donald] Trump takes America backward – and sides again with corporate polluters over young Americans fighting for their futures. As millions face dangerous wildfires, extreme weather events and costly impacts, Trump shrinks from the bold action needed to lead America and the rest of the world in tackling the climate crisis.

“But America doesn’t cut and run. Our country has long been a global leader, and it will be no different when it comes to climate action.

“That’s why House Democrats are committed to filling the leadership void left by the Trump administration by passing important climate action legislation.

“In fact, it’s been over six months since the House of Representatives passed my Climate Action Now Act, which would keep us in the Paris Agreement and make sure our climate policy works for the people. That bill – along with dozens of other important bills to lower prescription drug prices, protect our elections and end gun violence – is still sitting on Sen. [Mitch] McConnell’s desk.”

Castor represents Florida’s 14th Congressional District, which includes Tampa and portions of Hillsborough County.

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