Downey Bill Requires NJ to Uphold Paris Climate Agreement

(TRENTON) – The full Assembly on Monday granted final legislative approval to a bill sponsored by Joann Downey requiring New Jersey to take part in the U.S. Climate Alliance to uphold the Paris Climate Accord and the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.

The bill (A-5040), approved by a vote of 44-19-3, would require New Jersey to join the United States Climate Alliance, a group formed to pursue policies to uphold the United States’ commitments to the Paris Climate Accord in order to address the threats posed by climate change. The group was formed by the Governors of California, New York, and Washington after President Trump announced his intention to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord.

“The United States will pay a heavy price for withdrawing from the Paris agreement,” said Downey (D-Monmouth). “We must do our part, alongside other nations, in curbing the effects of climate change and global warming on our environment.”

The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk.