SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Echoing the voices of global and local leaders Thursday, Mayor Kevin Faulconer said San Diego remains "100 percent committed" to policies geared toward environmental protection, following President Donald Trump's announcement to pull the U.S. out of the Paris climate agreement.
"San Diego remains as committed as ever to implementing our landmark Climate Action Plan and being a national leader in solar, renewable energy use, water purification, and green job creation. We cannot protect America's interests without a seat at the table, so San Diego will continue to lead on environmental protection," Faulconer said.
The mayor has been notable in pursuing environmental protection policies geared toward reducing emission levels and expanding the use of renewable energy.
San Diego remains 100% committed to leading on environmental protection. Cities will lead the way. #ParisAgreement pic.twitter.com/3pccNjCMG7
— Kevin Faulconer (@Kevin_Faulconer) June 1, 2017
President Trump announced Thursday that U.S. commitments under the climate change agreement were null and void effective immediately.
"In order to fulfill my solemn duty to protect America and its citizens, the United States will withdraw from the Paris climate accord but negotiations to reenter either the Paris accord or an entirely new transaction under terms that are fair to the United States," Trump said during a conference in the White House Rose Garden.
The agreement has been signed by 195 nations. The U.S., Syria, and Nicaragua are now the only countries not signed on to the accord.
"Today's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement underscores how important it is for major U.S. cities to lead the way and take definite action to leave a better planet than the one we inherited," Faulconer said.
RELATED: President Donald Trump announces withdrawal from Paris accord
California Gov. Jerry Brown also issued a statement shortly after the announcement, calling the decision "the wrong course."
"Donald Trump has absolutely chosen the wrong course. He's wrong on the facts. America's economy is boosted by following the Paris Agreement. He's wrong on the science," Brown said. "Totally wrong. California will resist this misguided and insane course of action. Trump is AWOL but California is on the field, ready for battle."
My statement on @realDonaldTrump's #ParisAgreement announcement #ActOnClimate https://t.co/XrIpW5d6k7 pic.twitter.com/TYiPIy5CaO
— Jerry Brown (@JerryBrownGov) June 1, 2017
Since the announcement leaders from France, Germany, China and Italy have spoken out against President Trump's decision and business tycoons Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, and Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, have decided to leave their positions on the president's business advisory council.
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto also called out the decision on Twitter. Pittsburgh was called out in the president's speech as he said, "I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris."
"Fact: Hillary Clinton received 80 percent of the vote in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh stands with the world & will follow Paris Agreement," Peduto tweeted.
As the Mayor of Pittsburgh, I can assure you that we will follow the guidelines of the Paris Agreement for our people, our economy & future. https://t.co/3znXGTcd8C
— bill peduto (@billpeduto) June 1, 2017
Fact: Hillary Clinton received 80% of the vote in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh stands with the world & will follow Paris Agreement @HillaryClinton https://t.co/cibJyT7MAK
— bill peduto (@billpeduto) June 1, 2017
