WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions Forum (CRES Forum) Director of Policy and Advocacy Charles Hernick shared a memo with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Special Assistant for International Energy and Environment George David Banks emphasizing the right-of-center organization’s recommendation that the Administration should stay in the Paris Agreement, and work to better align elements to U.S. interests.
“Staying in the Paris Agreement is sound policy because it provides an opportunity for the U.S. to lead global discussions related to economic growth, energy development, security, and environment, and promote U.S. national interests in a high-visibility international forum. With continued implementation of innovative, clean energy technologies and free-market, all-of-the-above energy policies, we have no doubt that the U.S. will continue leading on efforts to reduce emissions, bolster economic growth, and advance energy independence for generations to come,” Hernick said.
CRES Forum’s recommendation to remain in the Paris Climate Agreement is in line with Republican policymakers, including Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, Senator Lisa Murkowski (AK), Representatives Carlos Curbelo (FL), Patrick Meehan (PA), Ryan Costello (PA), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), and Governors Charlie Baker (MA) and Phil Scott (VT).
CRES Forum’s memo also offers concrete recommendations to help improve the Agreement, including:
· Re-envision UN-led financial institutions
· Prioritize multilateral banks over UN financial institutions
· Allow countries to count bi-lateral spending that has integrated climate change as Climate Finance
· Add a provision for third party verification of greenhouse gas reporting disputes
Read the full memo here.
###
CRES Forum is a 501(c)(3) non-partisan, non-profit organization committed to educating the public and influencing the national conversation about commonsense clean energy.