By opposing President Donald Trump’s decision to disassociate the United States from an international accord on climate change last week, U.S. Rep. Elise M. Stefanik, R-Willsboro, once again displayed the independent mindset that has made her an effective legislator on Capitol Hill.
Mr. Trump announced Thursday that the United States would withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Shortly thereafter, Ms. Stefanik issued the following statement:
“I have always advocated that Congress should have a transparent role in oversight and approval of these important matters. And just as President Obama overstepped by entering into this agreement without congressional approval, this decision by President Trump is also a mistake. As we know in the north country, protecting our environment goes hand in hand with strengthening our economy. We understand climate change is a serious threat that must be addressed by our entire global community, and the United States should continue to lead. United States innovation and business leadership have been key drivers to lowering our carbon emissions over the last 20 years, and we should continue to have an influential seat at the table as the rest of the world addresses these issues. Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement is misguided and harms the ongoing effort to fight climate change while also isolating us from our allies. I am committed to working in Congress on solutions to fight climate change and will also continue working with local New York county and state officials on efforts here in our state to continue protecting our greatest resource.”
Ms. Stefanik correctly pointed out that Congress has a crucial part to play in these matters. Presidential decisions on issues of this magnitude demand the involvement of federal lawmakers. So we commend her for promoting the proper role of Congress in such instances and expressing her concern over the consequences of reducing the nation’s engagement on the global stage.
Her public position, however, is curious in light of her previous actions. According to a story published Wednesday by the Post-Star in Glens Falls, Ms. Stefanik remained undecided on what her stance was concerning the president’s pending decision very late in the game.
“That discussion is going to be ongoing,” she told the Post-Star during a May 26 interview when asked if the United States should withdraw from the Paris Agreement. “I’m working with my colleagues who are on my climate change resolution to address that issue … I think we need to hear viewpoints from manufacturers. I need to continue hearing from groups in my district.”
While campaigning for the presidency, Mr. Trump pledged to withdraw the United States from this international climate change accord. And news had been circulating recently that he was expected to make an announcement soon.
So Ms. Stefanik had plenty of time to seek input on the issue and form a position. And she is a member of the House Climate Solutions Caucus, which is committed to exploring economically viable methods of reducing the risks posed by global warming. Supporting our ongoing involvement with the Paris Agreement should have been a no-brainer for her.
And her call for Congress to play a key role in pivotal decisions has merit — but only if legislators are willing to become engaged. Those on Capitol Hill can only have influence over important matters if they choose to speak out on them.
Concealing her stance on such a vital issue follows a pattern that Ms. Stefanik has unfortunately established. She refused to declare last month whether she intended to support or oppose the American Health Care Act until just a few hours before the vote was called in the U.S. House of Representatives.
While calculating how members of the public will respond to a stated position is a longtime practice in electoral politics, constituents have a right to know where their elected officials stand. Pushback from Americans comes with the job, and legislators must not be shy about revealing what they think about an issue.
Ms. Stefanik has often demonstrated tremendous leadership while in office, which has benefited all of us in the north country. But her lack of transparency on some key issues before action is taken on them is a disservice to this congressional district. She needs to let her constituents know where she stands on let the chips fall where they may.