Schumer Statement On Opposition To USMCA On Climate Grounds

Washington, D.C.— Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer released the following statement in opposition to USMCA because it does not address climate change:

“Despite the fact that it includes very good labor provisions, I am voting against USMCA because it does not address climate change, the greatest threat facing the planet.

“Instead of advancing global climate security by outlining binding and enforceable climate commitments from all three countries, the Trump administration provides significant incentives for manufacturers to move their business and their jobs from the U.S. to Mexico, where clean air and clean water regulations are much weaker. Meanwhile, the Trump administration also included handouts for the oil and gas industry, such as lifting tariffs on tar sands, and refused to include any mention of the climate crisis in the agreement. When it comes to climate change, the agreement still contains many of the same flaws of the original NAFTA, which I voted against.

“I commend Speaker Pelosi, House Democrats, Senators Wyden and Brown, and AFL-CIO President Trumka for making very important improvements for workers’ rights and the enforcement of them.  I also fought hard to make sure New York dairy producers would benefit from this deal, and will fight to ensure that those reforms are enforced.

“But on the greatest issue facing our planet, addressing the climate crisis, the USMCA falls far too short.” 

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