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Published On: Tue, Jun 20th, 2017

U.S. States Taking Action and Committing to the Paris Climate Agreement

Many people around the nation and the world were extremely disappointed with President Trump’s decision to exit the Paris Climate Agreement recently. Now, the United States joins only Nicaragua and war-torn Syria as nations that have not agreed to follow these worldwide planet-friendly standards. Some places in the country have decided to take matters into their own hands and commit to the standards despite Trump’s decision.

Here are the states in the nation that have made the Paris Climate Agreement a priority and are committed to putting the earth first.

earth fireball destruction photo/ Bela Geletneky aka photoshopper24 via pixabay.com

Hawaii

Almost immediately after Trump’s decision to exit the climate agreement was made public, Hawaii went into action. Governor David Ige started by signing legislation that prioritized the planet and the land. Now, in Hawaii, the local government will be responsible for recording sea level rise on the island chain. It will also be up to state government officials to continue to make efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions. For Hawaii, because of the unique location of the state being surrounded by water, its citizens and its lawmakers realize the importance of protecting the environment.

Washington

The next state to take action after Trump’s historic exit was Washington. State Governor Jay Inslee announced an alliance between states within the country that included Washington. Created on June 1, 2017, the United States Climate Alliance, is a reaction to the federal government’s exit of the Paris agreement. The new alliance between States is committed to upholding the principles of the agreement and keeping the country on track to reduce greenhouse gasses and lessen the impact of climate change. In Washington, this means more of an effort to protect its natural resources, such as the coastline and its forests.

photo/ Darwin Laganzon

Massachusetts

Massachusetts also made a commitment to the environment when its governor, Charlie Baker, signed the state climate alliance. Massachusetts, like other Northeastern states in the country, values its beautiful Atlantic coastline, bays, and tributaries. The state has made efforts to keep aquatic sea life off of its coast healthy, for the environment and for the local fishing industry. Cod fishing is a big part of the Massachusetts economy, and its people and legislators want to protect the viability of this industry.

Oregon

Governor Kate Brown of Oregon also committed to the state alliance that prioritizes the environment. Oregon has been a leader in progressive environmental policies that focus on sustainability and reducing resource usage. A big trend in the state is cultivating rain gardens in backyards, which help protect the local salmon population. The climate is naturally very rainy, and this practice provides a better way to obtain necessary resources.

New York

New York alone is responsible for more than three percent of the nation’s carbon emissions. Governor Andrew Cuomo aims to reduce that figure, both in percentage and in number, and he has also shown support for the climate alliance. In New York City, residents have worked hard to be more energy efficient and less wasteful. In fact, the city is ranked as one of the top spots for energy efficiency in the country.

Delaware

Although small in size, Delaware has a large commitment to the new climate alliance. Its governor, John C. Carney, Jr. has a history of prioritizing state funds for environmental protection projects. Delaware has an extensive coastline of pristine beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, and it aims to keep its shore beautiful and healthy.

Virginia

Virginia is another state that understands how important the planet is to human existence. Governor Terry McAuliffe signed the agreement with the other states forming the climate alliance. Virginia realizes the role its bays and other natural resources play in keeping the planet healthy. State laws have been consistently focused on keeping the waterways and region clean and protected from emissions and other toxic chemicals.

California

One of the most important members of the climate alliance is California. California’s large size and population make it an essential part of this state alliance. Governor Jerry Brown and past legislators have already made a huge impact on the quest to protect the environment with a history of environmentally-friendly and progressive legislation and efforts like the Cadiz Water Project. Today, California continues to plan to lead the way in the state alliance and pact with Paris for the future of the planet.

Connecticut

A final state on the list to continue the fight against industry and pollution is Connecticut. Dannel Malloy, the governor, has also aligned the state with the rest of the regions signed on for the nation’s climate alliance. Even though Connecticut is geographically small, it has a large population of people traveling to work in highly dense areas, such as New York City. Getting their citizens and businesses involved in keeping the planet clean could positively impact the entire country.

Although the nation recently walked away from an important climate pact, the fight for the planet continues to thrive with many states dedicated to earth’s future. When states band together to keep the land protected, they may come out stronger in the end.

Author: Lolita Di

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