EPA chief Scott Pruitt is expected to address questions about the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris agreement Friday during the daily briefing.
June 2 (UPI) — Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt is expected to address questions about the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris agreement Friday when he joins press secretary Sean Spicer for the daily briefing.
The men are scheduled to take questions from the media at 1: 30 p.m. at the White House.
The briefing comes one day after President Donald Trump announced his intention to pull out of the climate change accord, saying it is bad for the U. S. economy.
“We’re getting out, but we will start to negotiate and see if we can make a deal that’s fair, ” he said. “If we can, great — if we can’t, that’s fine.”
Trump, who has called climate change a “hoax, ” previously indicated he was considering leaving the agreement by saying it’s a “bad deal” for the U. S. economy. The 195-nation pact sets out stringent standards to restrict carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases that scientists say contribute to global warming.
“It fails to live up to our environmental ideals, ” Trump said of the accord. “As someone who cares deeply about the environment, which I do, I cannot in good conscience support a deal that punishes the United States.”
Pruitt on Thursday praised Trump’s decision.
“Your decision today to exit the Paris Accord reflects your unflinching commitment to put America First. And by exiting, you are fulfilling yet one more campaign promise to the American people, ” Pruitt said. “America finally has a leader who answers only to the people — not the special interests who have had their way for much too long. In everything you do, you are fighting for the forgotten men and women of America. You are the champion for hardworking citizens all across this land who just want a government that puts their needs first.”
“Our efforts should be on exporting our technology and innovation to nations who seek to reduce their CO2 footprint — to learn from us. That should be our focus versus agreeing to unachievable targets that harm our economy and the American people, ” Pruitt added.
On the schedule for Trump Friday is a meeting with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S. C. He will also sign legislation in the afternoon.
Doug G. Ware contributed to this report.
