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City Of Whitefish Pledges To Uphold Paris Climate Agreement

Citing potential threats to human health, ecosystems and the economy, Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld said the city will make mitigating climate change a priority.
Nicky Ouellet
Citing potential threats to human health, ecosystems and the economy, Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld said the city will make mitigating climate change a priority.

Whitefish joined a growing number of U.S. cities pledging to uphold the Paris Climate Agreement Monday night. Citing potential threats to human health, ecosystems and the economy, Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld said the city will make mitigating climate change a priority.

"The City of Whitefish will increase its efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, create a clean energy economy, and stand for environmental justice," Muhlfeld said.

The announcement comes as the city is drafting a climate action plan that will set goals and recommendations for improving energy efficiency and cutting costs. That plan is expected later this year.

Bozeman and Missoula have also also joined a list of more than 300 so-called “Climate Mayors,” who signed onto the Paris Climate Agreement despite President Donald Trump announcing his plan to pull the United States out of the voluntary agreement. Other cities pledging to uphold the climate agreement include Boise, Houston and Pittsburg.

Montana’s democratic Governor Steve Bullock has said climate change is real and called President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, “short sighted and dangerous.” Bullock released an Energy Blueprint for the state last year, but has not joined governors pledging to uphold the Paris Agreement.

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