Julie Girling MEP has welcomed news that the European Parliament will next week debate climate change and President Trump’s decision to ditch the landmark Paris agreement
As the Parliament’s rapporteur on phase IV of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and the aviation ETS proposal, she insisted that the EU must step up to challenge the United States if the new president sought to dodge its responsibilities.
Mrs Girling, who is Environment Co-ordinator for the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the Parliament, said: “When other so-called world leaders quit the stage, it is time for EU countries to maintain and enhance our leadership role.
“Climate change is a truly global issue and I am disappointed the USA has decided to abdicate its duty to the rest of the world.
“However with the EU setting the pace and working with partners around the world such as China, who stay at the table willingly and remain ready to lead, we can still achieve a great deal.
“On a personal level, I am happy that as ETS rapporteur I shall now be at the centre of the debate here in the EU over the key instrument delivering carbon reductions.
“Since I took the role last week I have met key the key players in the EU institutions and we remain determined to establish an ambitious timetable.
“We will hold a trilogue on the 27th June where we will discuss the key political issues. I look forward to taking forward this ambitious EU initiative on climate policy.”
