Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Co-Chair of the House Energy Action Team, issued the following statement on H.R. 9, the so-called Climate Action Now Act:
“President Trump’s 2017 announcement of intent to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accord was the right move for our country and part of the America first agenda. Today’s misguided attempt by House Democrats to bind us to this flawed accord would have devastating consequences on our economy and put us at a disadvantage to our main competitors around the globe, while accomplishing no meaningful environmental reforms.
“The environment in the United States isn’t getting dramatically worse as those on the other side claim. We are increasing economic growth while simultaneously reducing emissions, a feat accomplished by free-market innovation and technological advances. We shouldn’t tie the hands of American innovators to an accord that puts other nations first and punishes the United States.”
View Rep. Duncan’s floor remarks on H.R. 9 HERE.
Rep. Duncan submitted an amendment to delay the legislation until the Senate performed their Constitutional duty to ratify the Paris Climate Accord treaty. This amendment was not considered by House Democrats.
Rep. Duncan supported a Republican amendment in the House Energy and Commerce Committee that would hold nations like China and Russia to the same standards as the United States. It was defeated.