Rep. Singh offered the following concurrent resolution:

            House Concurrent Resolution No. 9.

            A concurrent resolution to urge the Governor to add Michigan to the growing number of states pledging to fulfill the goals of the Paris Climate Accord.

            Whereas, The Paris Climate Accord is an agreement that seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide by requiring its signatories to set their own emissions goals and monitor their efforts to meet those goals. The agreement states that countries should aim to reach their peak emissions as soon as possible and reach net zero emissions during the second half of the century. The agreement also contains non-binding provisions to encourage wealthier countries to provide financial assistance to poorer countries for the purposes of adopting new technologies and to adapt to the impact of climate change. The agreement was accepted at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in December 2015 and the United States formally signed in April 2016; and

            Whereas, The goal of the Paris Climate Accord is to prevent the Earth from warming by more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and, if possible, to stop warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Earth has already warmed about 1 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels and experts believe that the Earth was on track to warm by more than 3 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century if the policies in place prior to the adoption of the Paris Climate Accord were to continue indefinitely. The targets contained in the Paris Climate Accord are based on evidence from scientific community that warming above 2 degrees Celsius will cause irreparable damage to the planet; and

Whereas, In Michigan, climate change is expected to lead to more extreme weather including a higher risk of flooding, periods of intense drought, and higher temperatures. These effects will lead to more algae and lower water levels in the Great Lakes, changing ecosystems, disruptions in the agricultural industry, shorter seasons for winter recreation, and an increased risk of health problems such as heatstroke and dehydration. Serious effects in other parts of the country and around the world could also impact Michigan, as climate change is expected to dramatically impact the economy, national security, and public health; and

            Whereas, Important work is already being done to fight climate change in Michigan. Michigan raised its renewable portfolio standard in 2016 and has a very successful energy waste reduction program. In addition, businesses have taken steps to reduce their carbon footprints and cities and local communities have also adopted policies designed to combat climate change; and

            Whereas, President Trump announced his intention to withdraw the United States from the agreement on June 1, 2017. While the President has the authority to initiate the withdrawal process on behalf of the United States, he cannot prevent cities and states from pursuing policies that will reduce their greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the goals of the Paris Climate Accord. California, New York, Washington, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, Virginia, Oregon, and Hawaii have already pledged to fulfill the goals of the agreement; and

            Whereas, Michigan drove the nation's industrial economy during the twentieth century and has a responsibility to be a leading force in efforts to limit the impact of climate change in the twenty-first century. Michigan is a large state with significant potential for greenhouse gas emissions reductions and committing to the provisions of the Paris Climate Accord would go a long way toward the nation meeting its goals, in addition to providing Michigan with meaningful opportunities to attract new industries, employers, and residents to the state; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we urge the Governor to add Michigan to the growing number of states pledging to fulfill the goals of the Paris Climate Accord; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor.