Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement: Statement from American Rivers

June 1, 2017

June 1, 2017

Contact: Amy Kober, 503-708-1145

Washington – President Trump announced today that he will withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, a short-sighted decision that will harm our national security and the health and safety of American families for generations to come.

Bob Irvin, President of American Rivers, issued the following statement:

“In withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, President Trump is abdicating the responsibility of the United States to be a global leader and is putting our nation’s health, economy and national security at risk. Far from making America great again, his decision will leave our planet worse for future generations.”

“Climate change is here now, and is already impacting our rivers and clean water supplies. Without bold action to stop climate change, more severe floods and droughts, more waterborne diseases, and increasingly scarce water supplies will threaten communities in the United States and around the world.”

“The president’s head-in-the-sand approach to climate change contrasts sharply with the leadership and moral courage of countless individuals, businesses and cities that are working tirelessly to stop dirty fossil fuel pollution and strengthen communities against climate impacts including increased flooding and drought.”

“American Rivers will continue to stand with these local leaders, and we will continue helping communities build their resilience with innovative river conservation solutions.  We will work to ensure the United States remains a global leader in river restoration and protection, because a healthy river is a community’s best defense against the impacts of climate change.”


ABOUT AMERICAN RIVERS

American Rivers protects wild rivers, restores damaged rivers and conserves clean water for people and nature. Since 1973, American Rivers has protected and restored more than 150,000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts, on-the-ground projects and an annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers® campaign. Headquartered in Washington, DC, American Rivers has offices across the country and more than 250,000 members, supporters and volunteers.

Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Find your connections at AmericanRivers.orgFacebook.com/AmericanRivers and Twitter.com/AmericanRivers.