Earlier this month, President Trump disclosed that he would be pulling the United States out of the Paris Climate Accord, which is one of the most important issues of the 21st century. However, not all US cities are on board with this decision.
The city of Pittsburgh, home to approximately 306,500 people, plans to make the transition to 100% renewable-energy sources, such as wind and solar power, by the year 2035.
Mayor Bill Peduto stated that he was joining an alliance that plans to support the Paris Climate Accord called Mayors for 100% Clean Energy. Members of the alliance include a number of US Mayors who have approved a community-wide goal of transitioning completely to clean energy.
In fact, another group has been launched with similar goals which has been endorsed by thirty cities, three states, more than 80 university presidents, and more than 100 companies. According to The New York Times, the group was organized by Michael Bloomberg and the alliance will submit to the UN a plan to commit to greenhouse-gas limits set in the Paris Climate Accord.
When Trump announced the withdrawal of the US from the Paris Climate Accord, he stated: “I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris.” Peduto responded on Twitter: “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.” He added, “Fact: Hillary Clinton received 80% of the vote in Pittsburgh.”
In a press release disclosing Pittsburgh’s decision to use 100% renewable energy, Peduto stated: “Donald Trump said he was elected by voters of Pittsburgh, but his misguided decision to withdraw from the Paris climate [agreement] does not reflect the values of our city.” He added, “Pittsburgh will not only heed the guidelines of the Paris Agreement — we will work to move towards 100% clean and renewable energy for our future, our economy, and our people.”
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