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Pelosi Statement on Durban Climate Talks

December 11, 2011

Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued the this statement following the conclusion of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Durban, South Africa:

"The Durban climate talks have brought us to an important moment where all nations will be covered in the same roadmap toward a long-term solution for the climate crisis—the greatest challenge facing our planet.

"America must not wait to begin the hard work of achieving real reductions in carbon emissions, even as the negotiations to implement the Durban accord continue. If we don't delay, the United States will develop the technologies the world will use to address the crisis, and we will create jobs and strengthen our economy as a result.

"The Obama Administration has shown enormous leadership on behalf of both American and global interests, building consensus and making progress. South Africa has hosted and stewarded these negotiations, and helped ensure results.

"Today, we celebrate this significant step forward. Tomorrow, we must get to work implementing it."

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