Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes responded to President Trump’s recent executive order to formally withdraw the United States from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The convention has served as the main global forum for addressing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change for over three decades.
Governor Lamont stated, “Once again, the Trump administration is ceding U.S. leadership on one of the consequential issues of our time. Withdrawing from this group surrenders our country’s ability to influence the trillions of dollars in financial investments and policy decisions that will keep people safe from a changing climate and shape the world’s economy for generations to come. America’s voice should be at the forefront of this global effort, guiding and helping to shape the clean energy transition and making our communities more resilient. We remain committed to the U.S. Climate Alliance and will continue to do our small part to protect Connecticut residents and provide for a safe and prosperous future.”
Commissioner Dykes added, “Like it or not, climate change is real and we’re dealing with the effects here in Connecticut and throughout the United States. Excessive flooding, drought conditions, and wildfires are causing loss of life, putting residents and first responders at risk, and costing us in the hundreds of millions of dollars. This is a global, existential problem that requires an active and engaged United States leading the way. Despite this unfortunate decision, we’ll continue to do our best to help Connecticut communities prepare and adapt to these changing climate risks, while also working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Despite this federal action, Connecticut continues its membership in the U.S. Climate Alliance—a bipartisan coalition established in 2017 that brings together states and territories working on significant state-led climate initiatives.