US Climate Alliance Defies Trump’s Paris Agreement Withdrawal
In response to the United States’ second withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under President Donald Trump, the US Climate Alliance has reaffirmed its commitment to climate action. This bipartisan coalition of 24 governors has vowed to uphold international climate commitments despite federal policy shifts.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham – delivered a letter to UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell making it clear to the global community that climate action will continue in the U.S. The Alliance stated its continued cooperation on emission reductions and clean energy initiatives.
- The Alliance, representing nearly 60% of the US economy and 55% of its population, remains on track to cut emissions by 26% below 2005 levels by 2025.
- Governors Kathy Hochul (New York) and Michelle Lujan Grisham (New Mexico), co-chairs of the Alliance, emphasized states’ constitutional authority to enforce climate policies independent of federal decisions.
- Member states have led efforts in clean energy, regional carbon markets, and emissions reductions, contributing to economic growth and public health improvements.
We write as co-chairs of the United States Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of two dozen governors representing nearly 60 percent of the U.S. economy and 55 percent of the U.S. population, to make it clear to you, and the rest of the world, that we will continue America’s work to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and slash climate pollution. We will not turn our back on America’s commitments. For our health and our future, we will press forward.”
Governors Hochul and Lujan Grisham in their letter
The Alliance represents nearly 60% of the US economy and 55% of the nation’s population. Its members have pledged to reduce collective greenhouse gas emissions by 26% below 2005 levels by 2025, a target it is on track to achieve.
Between 2005 and 2022, the members reduced their regions’ emissions by 19% while growing its collective GDP by 30%. The Alliance is also on track to meet its near-term climate goal by reducing collective GHG emissions 26% below 2005 levels by 2025, which is intends to see through.
“It’s critical for the international community to know that climate action will continue in the US,” the letter states.
“The Alliance will bring this message to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil (COP30) later this year – just as we have at every COP since our coalition’s founding – as we work to implement our climate goals.”
Despite its progress, the Alliance faces challenges, including regulatory complexities and potential funding gaps. Trump’s withdrawal raises concerns about international confidence in US climate commitments, but Alliance leaders pledge transparency and ongoing participation in global climate negotiations. They will present their stance at COP30 in Brazil, aiming to assure global partners that subnational leadership remains steadfast in advancing climate action.
Source: US Climate Alliance
