While Pittsburgh is no longer a mill town, the Paris climate agreement is not a good deal for Pittsburgh. The deal requires the U.S. to make massive cutbacks in emissions and pay out hundreds of billions every year, while allowing China and others to continue to pollute. Pollution is so bad in China they have to wear masks.
Why does the U.S., which is very environmentally friendly, have to make drastic cuts when the largest polluters do not have to make any changes? Why does the U.S. take the brunt of emission reduction while the largest polluters are not required to reduce emissions at all?
The Hill had an article stating that these cuts would cost hundreds of thousands of American jobs, increase the cost of electricity and require the U.S. to give hundreds of billions away every year. Meanwhile, total worldwide emissions would not be reduced that much.
We already have a national debt nearing $20 trillion. We have to cut back more than any other country, and the deal does not accomplish its stated intent. Every city resident will be severely hurt by an increase in electric costs and those who lose their jobs will be hurt even more.
Pittsburgh cannot afford to lose jobs. So Mr. Trump is watching out for the people of Pittsburgh. He stated that if there were a better deal he would sign it. Protect the environment, but do not commit suicide in the process.
SCOTT STOLAR
Carrick
First Published: June 4, 2017, 4:00 a.m.