H.Con.Res.29 - Expressing support for the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.Con.Res.29 expresses Congressional support for the United States withdrawing from the Paris Agreement. The resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Barr and Mr. Moore of West Virginia and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The Paris Agreement is defined as the decision adopted at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change's 21st Conference of Parties in Paris, France, on December 12, 2015.
Expected Effects
If passed, this resolution would signal Congressional support for the President's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. This action would primarily affect US commitments to global climate change mitigation efforts. It could also influence international relations and trade agreements.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially lower energy costs for consumers and businesses due to reduced regulatory burdens.
- Increased competitiveness for US industries that rely on fossil fuels.
- Greater flexibility for the US to determine its own environmental policies without international constraints.
- Possible short-term economic gains from prioritizing domestic energy production.
- Reduced financial contributions to international climate initiatives.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Damage to the United States' international reputation and diplomatic relations.
- Weakened global efforts to combat climate change.
- Potential negative impacts on the environment, including increased pollution and extreme weather events.
- Reduced investment in renewable energy technologies and green jobs.
- Increased vulnerability to climate-related risks for certain communities.
Constitutional Alignment
The Constitution grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations (Article I, Section 8). While the resolution itself doesn't directly enact law, it expresses Congressional support for an executive action, which falls within the realm of foreign policy. The President has broad authority in foreign affairs, but Congressional support can strengthen the legitimacy and impact of such actions. However, some may argue that withdrawing from an international agreement undermines the 'general Welfare' clause of the Preamble.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).