By — Josh Lederman, Associated Press Josh Lederman, Associated Press By — Matthew Lee, Associated Press Matthew Lee, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/tillerson-us-still-will-cut-emissions-despite-paris-pullout Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Tillerson: U.S. still will cut emissions despite Paris pullout Nation Jun 2, 2017 12:19 PM EDT WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Rex Tillerson downplayed the significance of the U.S. pullout from the Paris climate pact, arguing Friday that America still will continue taking steps to cut heat-trapping pollution. In his first public comments on President Donald Trump’s move, Tillerson called it a policy decision by the president. Tillerson, a former Exxon Mobil CEO, had urged Trump not to abandon the deal but was ultimately overruled. Tillerson said people need to recognize that the U.S. has a “terrific record” of reducing its own greenhouse gas emissions, adding that it is “something I think we can be proud of.” “That was done in the absence of the Paris agreement,” Tillerson said. “I don’t think we’re going to change our effort to reduce our emission in the future, either.” “So hopefully, people can keep it in perspective,” the secretary added. Tillerson spoke at the State Department during a photo-op with visiting Brazilian Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes Ferreira. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Josh Lederman, Associated Press Josh Lederman, Associated Press By — Matthew Lee, Associated Press Matthew Lee, Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Rex Tillerson downplayed the significance of the U.S. pullout from the Paris climate pact, arguing Friday that America still will continue taking steps to cut heat-trapping pollution. In his first public comments on President Donald Trump’s move, Tillerson called it a policy decision by the president. Tillerson, a former Exxon Mobil CEO, had urged Trump not to abandon the deal but was ultimately overruled. Tillerson said people need to recognize that the U.S. has a “terrific record” of reducing its own greenhouse gas emissions, adding that it is “something I think we can be proud of.” “That was done in the absence of the Paris agreement,” Tillerson said. “I don’t think we’re going to change our effort to reduce our emission in the future, either.” “So hopefully, people can keep it in perspective,” the secretary added. Tillerson spoke at the State Department during a photo-op with visiting Brazilian Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes Ferreira. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now