DNC Chair Tom Perez released the following statement after Donald Trump’s announcement this afternoon withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Accord:

“Climate change is a pressing threat to our prosperity and national security. Tackling this challenge doesn’t just protect our planet, it also creates good jobs, strengthens our economy, and bolsters American leadership in the world. That’s why President Obama signed the Paris Accord.

“Today, Donald Trump signed away our future. As the world looks to America for leadership, President Trump and Republicans are keeping their heads buried in the sand, hoping the greatest challenge of our time will simply disappear. The president’s decision is not just a failure of leadership. It’s economically reckless. It’s a deliberate insult to humanity. And it’s a betrayal of future generations who will have to endure the consequences of Trump's reckless actions.

“We must act boldly and decisively today to protect our economy, our country, and our planet. This is one storm we cannot wait out.”