Earlier today, President Trump announced that the United States would join Syria and Nicaragua, and turn our backs on the global agreement to cut pollution in an effort to combat climate change.
Since November, we have been reminded time and time again that if we in greater Portland want a future with more jobs, fair wages, clean air and water and a faster transportation network, we're going to have to do it ourselves. We can't rely on the rest of the country to help. We have to be the leaders.
I'm proud of the efforts Metro has made to bring greater Portland into the 21st century, in spite of Washington's inaction. Our groundbreaking climate strategy, for example, will cut our tailpipe pollution significantly by 2035, even with the population and economic growth we are expecting.
As we continue to move toward a cleaner, more equitable and more economically viable future, I look forward to working with Oregon leaders who are also interested in addressing global problems at a state level. When special interests in Washington discourage reductions in pollution, we have to double down on our efforts here to keep our air clear.