The United States has announced its decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and other related international commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This move is part of a broader policy shift aimed at prioritizing American interests in global environmental agreements.
The executive order, signed by the President, outlines the administration's approach to international environmental agreements. "The United States must grow its economy and maintain jobs for its citizens while playing a leadership role in global efforts to protect the environment," it states. The order emphasizes that international agreements should not unduly burden the U.S. economy or divert taxpayer dollars to countries that do not require financial assistance.
The policy outlined in the order aims to put "the interests of the United States and the American people first" when negotiating international agreements that could potentially harm economic growth. The directive mandates immediate actions, including notifying the United Nations of the U.S.'s withdrawal from these agreements.
Specifically, it instructs the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations to submit formal written notifications of withdrawal from both the Paris Agreement and any similar commitments made under climate change frameworks. Additionally, any financial commitments made under these agreements are to be ceased or revoked.
Furthermore, several departments and agencies are tasked with reporting their actions to revoke policies related to the International Climate Finance Plan within 30 days. These reports will be submitted to key presidential advisors on economic policy and national security affairs.
In line with this new direction, future international energy agreements will prioritize "economic efficiency, promotion of American prosperity, consumer choice, and fiscal restraint."
The executive order concludes with general provisions ensuring that nothing within it impairs existing legal authorities or budgetary functions and clarifies that it does not create enforceable rights against the U.S. government.