Pallone Blasts Trump for Prioritizing Corporate Polluters’ Wishlist on Day One

Washington, D.C. – Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement today after President Trump announced actions to surrender America’s role as a global climate leader by announcing intentions to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord, gut cost-saving energy efficiency standards, and undermine the clean energy transition by attacking wind farms.

“President Trump promised Americans he’d prioritize lowering energy costs, yet on day one he began fulfilling the wish lists of corporate polluters to maximize their profits. These actions show Trump is determined to undermine the clean energy transition even though it’s growing our economy, lowering costs for hardworking families, and combating the worsening climate crisis. Ultimately, the American people will be left to foot the bill with higher energy bills, dirtier air, sicker communities, and a worse off climate to pass on to future generations.

“I am particularly disappointed by Trump’s decision to once again withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accord. By surrendering America’s global leadership, Trump is allowing our adversaries and competitors to step in and fill the void we’ll be leaving behind.

“In the face of increasing ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ superstorms, devastating wildfires, and extreme weather events across the country, Americans deserve leadership that recognizes the severity of the growing crisis we all face, the determination to tackle it, and the compassion to protect our communities — regardless of their political affiliation. Unfortunately, today’s actions once again demonstrate that Trump continues to prioritize large polluting corporate interests over the American people.”