13 US States Are In Open Rebellion Against Trump’s Paris Climate Accord Withdrawal

To say that President Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris Climate Accord was controversial is an understatement. Aside from the shower of criticisms that he received, even entire US states rose up in open rebellion against his wishes. Now, there is an alliance comprised of 13 states who are declaring allegiance to the countries who signed the Paris Climate Accord.

The United States Climate Alliance started off as a team-up comprising only three states, California, New York, and Washington. Throughout the months, however, this number grew to 13. Joining the group includes Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota, Oregon, and Vermont. Heck, even Puerto Rico threw its hat into the mix and it’s not even a proper US state.

On the Alliance’s website, the states aren’t shy about what they are trying to achieve as well. Nor are they hesitant to blatantly go against the policies of the current administration.

“Despite the U.S. federal government’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, Alliance members are committed to supporting the international agreement, and are pursuing aggressive climate action to make progress toward its goals,” the website’s home page reads.

Ultimately, what these states are aiming for are the same goals that would have been on the table had the US stayed with the Paris Climate Accord. These include reducing carbon emissions, investing in renewable energy, and spreading education about the dangers of climate change.

What might really make the Alliance’s existence a threat, however, is the fact that it represents a significant chunk of the country’s GDP. Together, they comprise of $7.16 trillion, Futurism reports. That’s the kind of financial influence that is difficult to ignore.

The respective governors of these states have also expressed an intent on keeping with the changes that will lead to a much cleaner future. While it’s still a grass roots movement, representing a significant chunk of the US economy should make the Alliance a force to recognize.