Trump Administration Officially Pulls the U.S. Out of the International Paris Agreement Setting Back Climate Progress

The Trump administration officially pulled the United States out of the international Paris Agreement on climate change Wednesday. Although announced previously, the withdrawal could only be finalized as soon as the day after the presidential election.

Andrea McGimsey, senior director for Environment America's Global Warming Solutions campaign, issued the following statement:

"This is a heartbreaking act, because people across the country and the world need the United States to step up and lead on solving the climate crisis. We have such a powerful role to play -- with our American ingenuity and passion for our majestic lands and wildlife. Staying in the international Paris Accord would be a powerful signal of our resolve to cut planet-warming emissions as quickly as possible -- for the sake of every living being on the planet. While rejoining will likely depend on the ultimate outcome of the presidential election, we continue to hold out hope that we will change course at the federal level on this vital international commitment.

"Regardless, thankfully, governors, state leaders and local officials continue to work together to meet America's promise in the U.S. Climate Alliance. Their bold leadership on committing to 100 percent clean energy and electrifying society proves that while we need more at the national level, Americans at the grassroots are ready to lean in on this existential issue.

"We must get climate solutions on the ground, at the scale and pace necessary to keep the planet from warming more than 1.5 degrees. And to get there, we must have our federal leaders step up and do their part. It's time for Congress to step up and boldly act on transformational, economy-wide climate policies that will support a stable climate for all Americans and for the world."