Senator Coons at Paris Climate Negotiations: Governments must work with private sector to solve climate change

PARIS – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement from Paris after visiting the negotiations at Le Bourget, France as part of the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP21.  Representatives from 195 countries have gathered in Paris to produce a new international agreement on climate change to keep the global average temperature increase to below 2°C.

“One thing that has been clear from these negotiations in France is that governments alone can’t solve climate change,” said Senator Coons.  “If we want to truly address one of the greatest challenges our world faces today, which threatens human health, the environment, and international security, the United States and nations around the world must work together with the private sector and NGOs to set responsible policies while supporting the development of new technologies and innovations.

“If the United States is going to lead this effort, we have to be at the forefront of setting ambitious policies and supporting the impressive innovations in energy efficiency and clean energy technology that both our public and private sectors are capable of producing. 

“To do that, it is critical for Congress to enact responsible and forward-looking energy policies, but shifting to an energy-efficient and low-carbon economy will also require action and investment from businesses across the United States.  Many American businesses, including several in Delaware like DuPont, Bloom Energy, and White Optics, are already leading the way and proving that we can create new jobs and spur economic growth while reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the same time.

“In the Senate, I’ve been working to support bipartisan legislation that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and facilitates clean energy growth – from working to level the energy playing field through the MLP Parity Act to advocating for increased funding for research and development in innovative energy technologies through the energy title of America COMPETES.

“I’m heartened by the progress being made here in Paris and am optimistic that the outcome of the negotiations will prove the international community is ready to meet the challenge of climate change head on and do what is necessary to keep the future of our children and our planet safe. We cannot afford to delay action any longer.”