Takoma Park Mayor Reaffirms Commitment To Paris Agreement

TAKOMA PARK, MD — President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that the United States would be withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord, fulfilling a promise he had campaigned on. Trump's decision to withdraw from the agreement, which is designed to limit global carbon emissions through voluntary commitments, was met by criticism from local and state leaders, some of whom are taking it upon themselves to keep the obligations under the agreement.

A total of 84 mayors, part of the group known as the Mayors' National Climate Action Agenda, have said they will "adopt, honor and uphold the commitments of the goals enshrined in the Paris Agreement." Takoma Park Mayor Kate Stewart is among this group.

"We will intensify efforts to meet each of our cities’ current climate goals, push for new action to meet the 1.5 degrees Celsius target, and work together to create a 21st century clean energy economy," the group said in a statement.

The group said they: are increasing investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency; will buy and create more demand for electric cars and trucks; will increase efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and will create a clean energy economy.

In a symbolic act of defiance, the Wilson Building turned green Thursday night in honor of DC's continued commitment to the Paris Agreement. New York City's landmarks were also lit up green Thursday to show that both the city and the state stand with Paris. City Hall, the Kosciuszko Bridge and One World Trade were among the landmarks that shone green as Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo said they would keep to the accord, despite the leader of the nation's refusal.

Cody Fenwick, Beth Dalbey, Joe Vince, Eric Heyl, Craig Johnson, Neal McNamara, Feroze Dhanoa and Adam Nichols contributed to this report.