Governor: Trump’s Pullout Won’t Affect Hudson Valley’s Climate Goals

The Hudson Valley will still need to meet or exceed it's climate goals, despite the president's announcement.

On Thursday President Trump announced that the United States would be pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement. Global reaction was swift and harsh, with many Americans also disappointed that our country would no longer be leading the world in the new economy of clean energy.

Governor Cuomo announced that New York, along with other states, would be forming the United States Climate Alliance. This coalition of like-minded states would pledge to upholding the Paris Climate Agreement and continue taking aggressive action on climate change.

The other states that helped launch the coalition are California and Washington. It's believed that many other states will also join.

Governor Cuomo said of the agreement, "New York State is committed to meeting the standards set forth in the Paris Accord regardless of Washington’s irresponsible actions. We will not ignore the science and reality of climate change which is why I am also signing an Executive Order confirming New York’s leadership role in protecting our citizens, our environment, and our planet."

As part of the agreement, the state of New  York has committed to reducing emissions 26-28 percent from 2005 levels and meeting or exceeding the targets of the federal Clean Power Plan.