Gov. John Hickenlooper called President Donald Trump’s decision a “serious mistake,” saying that despite the decision Colorado’s efforts to improve air quality and use renewable energy will continue.
“Abandoning this climate deal is like ripping off your parachute when you should be pulling the ripcord,” Hickenlooper said in a written statement Thursday. “America’s greatness has always been demonstrated by our moral leadership. Today, we break ranks with 190 nations who are working together to stop the worst effects of climate change, which the scientific community agrees would devastate the global economy and our planet, and the defense community agrees would destabilize vulnerable nations that have served as breeding grounds for international terrorism.”
Hickenlooper added that Trump’s decision lets Russia, India and China “take our seat at the international table. Our economic and technological competitiveness will suffer. Isolationism is not leadership.”
U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, in a phone interview Thursday with The Denver Post, said pulling out of the climate agreement was a direct result of former President Barack Obama’s decision to sign on without congressional approval. However he did not say, when asked, whether he approved of the agreement’s substance.
‘It shows the shortcoming of the executive action when a president goes around Congress,” Gardner said of Trump’s decision. “This issue should have gone to Congress for a full debate.”
U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Aurora, appeared to agree.
“I hope that we can be a part of a renegotiated climate treaty, ratified by the United States Senate, to continue our nation’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Coffman .
Other Colorado Democrats, , who said the city will “not back down” from addressing climate change, echoed the governor’s sentiments.
Here are some of their reactions:
The President's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement flies in the face of both economics & science. Statement on .
— Former Rep. Jared Polis (@RepJaredPolis)
. made catastrophic mistake by putting a misguided campaign promise before needs of our economy & credibility of American diplomacy.
— Michael Bennet (@SenatorBennet)
By leaving the , has ceded U.S. global leadership with devastating consequences.
— Rep. Diana DeGette (@RepDianaDeGette)
Inbox: , anticipating 's Paris decision, says Denver will try to follow climate change accord.
— Jon Murray (@JonMurray)
The President's actions are anti-Colorado, and anti-American. To is a moral and truly American action. Sad!
— Colorado Senate Democrats (@COSenDem)
To read more on Trump’s decision, .
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
