Susan Herrera House District 41 | Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter
On Thursday, President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a new agreement aimed at tackling climate change. The plan focuses on reducing greenhouse gases by 2050, expanding clean energy initiatives, conserving the Arctic, and addressing methane emissions from both new and existing sources.
The agreement encourages efforts to curb pollution from heavy-duty vehicles, airlines, and refrigerants. It also highlights the need for cooperation in Arctic conservation and addresses methane pollution in the oil and gas industry.
Camilla Feibelman, Director of the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, stated: “By 2018, 90% of methane pollution will come from oil and gas wells that existed in 2011, so today’s White House announcement of efforts to curb these sources of harm to our climate and health is truly momentous."
Michael Brune, Executive Director of the Sierra Club, commented: “By jointly committing to act on the climate crisis...President Obama and Prime Minister Trudeau are showing what can be achieved when neighbors work together.”
Brune further noted that this collaboration would help both nations lay out plans to reduce fossil fuel use while increasing clean energy commitments. He emphasized that working with indigenous communities in Arctic conservation is crucial for protecting marine life.
The administration aims to finalize methane limits on new sources quickly while addressing existing sources as soon as possible. Brune remarked: “Together, these are key steps along the path to keep dirty fuels in the ground...and guarantee the protection of our wild places.”
The Sierra Club is a prominent grassroots environmental organization advocating for clean energy and wildlife protection through activism and education.
