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Gov. Inslee: Withdraw from climate agreement would be 'shameful course of action'

OLYMPIA, wash. — Gov. Inslee issued a statement critical of President Trump's expected withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, the international pact that seeks to bring countries together to fight climate change.

"The U.S. cannot credibly remain a world leader while withdrawing from an agreement that reflects the overwhelming desire of the global community," Inslee said. "President Trump has put our nation on the wrong path, and the wrong side of history."

Trump's proposed environmental policies have come under attack by other governors, notably Gov. Jerry Brown of California.

"Washington state is leading the way on climate issues where Washington, D.C., is failing," the governor said. "The Paris Climate Agreement is a landmark international pact that represents our greatest opportunity to secure long-term U.S. and global economic security in the face of growing threats from climate change. One hundred and ninety-four nations have signed the agreement, 147 have ratified it, and more than 85 percent of the world's carbon pollution are now covered by its terms."

The landmark agreement also includes participation from China and India, known as two of the world's largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.

Calling the withdrawal from the pact "a shameful course of action that will jeopardize the health and prosperity of our children and grandchildren," Inslee said the decision would also harm the country's ability to embrace clean, renewable energy and keep the U.S. "mired in the dirty, diminishing energy under our feet."

Inslee applauded the state of Washington for "taking action to reduce carbon pollution" and said the state "will continue working with business and research institutions to develop and deploy 21st century clean energy solutions." He said the state will continue to partner with other states in its efforts.