At COP21, the twenty-first “conference of the parties” two years ago, President Barack Obama entered into a comprehensive environment agreement with virtually the rest of the world. The Paris Agreement sets forth goals for reducing carbon emissions, promoting clean energy, and stopping climate change in its tracks (Carbon Brief). At its conception only three countries in the world refused to join; however, since then, those three countries chose to join the agreement. In fall 2017, Donald Trump withdrew the United States of America from the Paris Agreement. This made the United States the only country in the world who is not a part of this “landmark deal” (NPR).
In the wake of Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, people across the nation and the world have responded with outrage. Many states have taken matters into their own hands. The “We Are Still In” alternative delegation was present at this year’s COP23 in Bonn, Germany, representing the Americans who still want to participate in the Paris Agreement (COP 23). At the state level, many politicians and community leaders have risen up despite Trump’s decision and stood with the Paris Agreement, pledging to abide by the rules set forth in the agreement on a state level. (COP23)
At this year’s Model General Assembly, there are multiple bills that set forth environmental protection programs. For example, Old Dominion Senate Resolution number 52 protects against government destruction of forest land. Bill patrons of Old Dominion Senate Bill number 66 from Nandua High School created a bill which outlines a recycling program that rewards consumers for recycling their used bottles. Old Dominion Senate Bill number 67 would enact an carbon pollution tax which would increase over time, inhibiting businesses and individuals from excessive carbon pollution. Senator Hockey said he felt like they could “do more” by creating a “more controversial bill,” like imposing a carbon tax.
Like many citizens and states across the United States, the MGA members and high school students of Virginia want action to limit pollution and save our planet. From recycling programs to carbon pollution taxes, MGA bill patrons are not afraid to stand up and show that regardless of decisions made in the White House, the citizens of the state of Virginia have a responsibility to do our part in creating and maintaining safe environmental practices.
Sources:
COP23 http://www.cop-23.org/
NPR https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/09/16/551551083/u-s-still-out-of-paris-climate-agreement-after-conflicting-reports
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