Article snippet: MORE on Monday began the yearlong process of withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris climate accord. The official announcement cements a promise Trump made in the White House Rose Garden in 2017 when he first announced his intention to withdraw from the global climate change agreement signed by every other country in the world. Secretary of State MORE announced the move in a statement. "President Trump made the decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement because of the unfair economic burden imposed on American workers, businesses, and taxpayers by U.S. pledges made under the Agreement," Pompeo said. "The United States has reduced all types of emissions, even as we grow our economy and ensure our citizens’ access to affordable energy." "The U.S. approach incorporates the reality of the global energy mix," he added, arguing "innovation and open markets" will drive emissions reductions. Trump's views on the deal have been widely criticized by Democrats, environmentalists and even some Republicans, who say the U.S. is abdicating global leadership at a time when urgent action is required to stem the most dangerous impacts of climate change. "It is shameful. It is cowardly when we need to be brave and act boldly. Long after the rest of us are gone, future generations will remember this president’s failure to lead on the greatest environmental challenge of our time," said Sen. MORE (Del.), the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. "By breaki... Link to the full article to read more