Sen. Carper Congratulates President Obama on Clean Energy Agreement with India

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement regarding the U.S. and India Climate and Clean Energy Cooperation announcement.

“I congratulate President Obama and his administration for reaching an agreement with our friends in India to generate more renewable energy and reduce our impact on the world’s climate. This agreement with India is significant progress toward the larger goal of a reaching a comprehensive global agreement on climate change in Paris later this year.

“I am particularly pleased with the cooperation on the phasedown of hydroflurocarbons (HFCs), that are used in millions of households for things like air conditioning and refrigeration, and contribute to a large share of the greenhouse gas emissions in the United States and around the world.  I’m also happy this agreement outlines the implementation of the Environmental Protection Agency’s AIRNow-International program and megacities partnerships. This partnership focuses on disseminating information to help urban residents reduce their exposure to harmful levels of air pollution, and enables urban policy planners to implement strategies for improving ambient air quality in cities.

“These international partnerships are vehicles the United States and its global partners can use to encourage real change and progress in preserving and protecting our environment for the next generation. I am very encouraged by the progress we’ve made with our partners in India. I believe this agreement will enable both of our countries to grow our renewable energy economies and clean up our air at the same time.”