New York City Bar Association Statement on Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement

The New York City Bar Association is deeply disappointed that the President has stepped back from our great nation’s commitments in the Paris Agreement, and that he yesterday initiated the process to formally withdraw.

The City Bar previously urged the President to take on a leadership role in addressing climate change, for the benefit of business and for future generations of Americans. As New Yorkers and as lawyers, we will work to support the efforts of cities, states, towns and corporations to meet the Paris Commitments, many of which are already taking significant steps to mitigate climate change.

The City Bar convened a conference last March focused on scaling up climate solutions in New York City. We are working with the Mayor’s Office to support the City’s goal to reduce carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050, and will continue that work with renewed determination and purpose. We also stand ready to work with the New York State Bar Association and the Governor to support New York State’s innovative efforts to create jobs through a rapid transformation to a clean energy economy.

We are proud that so many members of the bar are committed to addressing this issue, and invite concerned members of our Association to contact us if they would like to join in this ongoing work.

About the Association

The New York City Bar Association, since its founding in 1870, has been dedicated to maintaining the high ethical standards of the legal profession, promoting reform of the law and access to justice, and providing service to the profession and the public. The Association, through its 24,000 members, continues to work for political, legal and social reform, while implementing innovative means to help the disadvantaged. Protecting the public’s welfare remains one of the Association’s highest priorities. www.nycbar.org