Wisconsin becomes 20th state to join climate alliance designed to uphold Paris accord

Wisconsin on Tuesday became the 20th state to join the U.S. Climate Alliance, a group of states working to uphold the Paris climate accord. 

“It’s time to lead our state in a new direction where we embrace science, where we discuss the very real implications of climate change, where we work to find solutions, and where we invest in renewable energy,” Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) said in a news release. By joining the U.S. Climate Alliance, we will have support in demonstrating that we can take climate action while growing our economy at the same time.”

{mosads}States that join the alliance commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reporting their progress to the global community and promoting clean energy. 

They aim to reduce their emissions by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. 

In addition to the 20 states, Puerto Rico is also a member of the alliance. 

“We look forward to working with the Governor on his priorities to invest in the state’s transportation infrastructure, increase locally-produced renewable energy, and protect natural and working lands across Wisconsin,” said U.S. Climate Alliance Executive Director Julie Cerqueira in the news release. 

Evers also tweeted about his decision to join the group of governors. 

“This isn’t radical stuff, folks,” he wrote. “It’s time for Wisconsin to lead the way in combatting climate change and investing in renewable energy.”

This isn’t radical stuff, folks. It’s time for Wisconsin to lead the way in combatting climate change and investing in renewable energy. pic.twitter.com/pW2Rq40KDz

— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) February 12, 2019

President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement in 2017. According to the United Nations, 174 countries and the European Union had signed the agreement as of April 2016.