Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is calling President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement "a grave mistake" and said he’s committed the state to join a coalition of states committed to uphold it.
Malloy is predicting future generations will pay the price for Trump’s decision.
Malloy, who is also chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, said Thursday that history will judge Trump's Republican administration "harshly for its collective failure to address one of the most pressing global issues of our lifetime."
Malloy said Connecticut will continue its efforts to address climate change with what he called commonsense and practical initiatives that will help grow the state's economy.
On Friday, Malloy said he has committed Connecticut to join the United States Climate Alliance, which also includes California, Washington state and New York.
“Connecticut has been a national leader in combating climate change and we have no plans of slowing down our efforts,” Malloy said in a statement.
Malloy said it is unfortunate Connecticut will now "lack a strong partner at the federal level" after Trump's action.
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“In the absence of leadership from the White House in addressing climate change, it is incumbent upon the states to take action in order to protect their residents. We remain committed to meeting the standards set forth in the Paris Climate Agreement because it is the right thing to do for not only the future of our state, but for the future of our planet,” Malloy’s statement goes on to say.
