Washington, DC…U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke today applauded President Donald J. Trump’s decision to eject the United States from the Obama-era, multi-national Paris Accord. The Department of the Interior is in charge of most energy development on federal lands, including oil, gas, coal, wind, geothermal, and other sources, as well as oil, gas and wind on the Outer Continental Shelf.

The following statement is from Secretary Ryan Zinke:

“America’s energy and economic destiny should be up to the United States, not the United Nations. Today the President took bold and decisive action to pull the U.S. out of the poorly-negotiated Paris Accord that would kill American jobs and manufacturing while doing little to protect the environment.

“We all agree that clean air and clean water are top priorities, but this deal was an example of another give-away to foreign interests and locks America into a permanent competitive disadvantage. America has the resources and expertise to lead the world in responsible energy development and technology. To not use our resources to our advantage is simply wrong. The world is safer when America is strong. I was just in Alaska where Native Alaskan leaders expressed to me their long-held desire to increase oil and gas exploration in the Arctic so they can fund their schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.

“In order to meet the benchmarks in the Paris Accord, it’s estimated the U.S. would lose $3 trillion in output, over six million industrial jobs, three million manufacturing jobs, and will absolutely decimate the coal industry. No more. No longer will the federal government sign agreements that punish American workers.

“I am confident that advancements in technology and smart regulations will allow the United States to continue responsible energy development and production and continue to lower emissions.”