ALBANY – New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli released a statement yesterday, March 28, in response to President Donald Trump’s most recent executive order which strives to unwind the Obama administration’s policies on minimizing climate change.

“Today’s Presidential Executive Order is yet another ill-conceived and dangerous attack on environmental protections,” said DiNapoli. “Along with the President’s previous proposals to gut the Environmental Protection Agency’s budget by 31 percent and roll back protections for clean air and water, this action would decimate 40 years of work to reduce pollution in America, pushing our country backwards.”

He went on to say that the executive order is dangerous not only to the environment, but also to our economy: as sustainable energy options become more sought, the U.S. could find themselves at the rear if the current administration is not promoting sustainable energy, according to DiNapoli.

He added, “Climate change is one of the greatest risks facing the global economy, and many of the investments of the New York State Common Retirement Fund. As shareholders, we will continue to challenge companies to adjust their business operations so they can be sustainably profitable and advocate for smart environmental regulation. For businesses and investors with foresight, addressing climate risk is an opportunity to develop new ideas, new technologies and a new, cleaner economy.”

“By ignoring both the problem and its solutions, the Administration will make it much more difficult for U.S. companies and workers to benefit and profit at the forefront of the rapidly developing global low carbon economy,” said DiNapoli in conclusion. “I will continue to stand-up and be vocal when this Administration actively undermines the health and safety of New Yorkers, and threatens the long-term profitability of the companies in which the New York State Common Retirement Fund invests.”