WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, after the Trump White House announced it has officially filed paperwork to begin the yearlong process of withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris climate accord, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement:

"This is another mistake by the Trump Administration.  President Trump's move to abandon the Paris climate agreement makes America less secure. U.S. military leaders say climate change is a problem and a real threat multiplier. By selling out to big oil and polluters, the Trump Administration is throwing gas on the fire, undercutting our allies’ efforts, and weakening AMerica's ability to combat climate change.”

Last month, Senator Reed and Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced a resolution (S. Res 404) calling for the United States to remain in the Paris climate agreement.  The resolution stated that the U.S. should “work in cooperation with the international community and continue to exercise global leadership in our shared responsibilities, including holding parties accountable for meeting their commitments, and address the causes and effects of climate change.” It also encourages the development of domestic policies to achieve greenhouse gas emission cuts as outlined by the Paris Agreement and “achieve maximum benefits for the United States” by implementing its commitments under the agreement.