The U.S. did not sign a statement committing to the implementation of the Paris climate agreement at the G7 summit in Italy this week.
“The Secretary of Energy of the United States of America informed fellow Ministers and Commissioner that the United States is in the process of reviewing many of its policies and reserves its position on this issue, which will be communicated at a future date,” Italy’s industry and energy minister Carlo Calenda said in a statement.
Other G7 members did commit to implementing the climate agreement to “limit the increase in global temperature well below 2°C above pre-industrial level,” Calenda added.
The Trump administration is currently divided over whether to follow through on President Trump's campaign promise to “cancel” the Paris agreement.
Energy Secretary Rick Perry also pushed to have G7 members acknowledge support for “other highly efficient energy resources,” specifically citing coal, natural gas, and civil-nuclear technologies.
“Innovation is also a top priority for the Trump Administration,” Perry added. “We are committed to developing, deploying and commercializing breakthrough technologies and developing the necessary policies that will help renewables become competitive with traditional sources of energy.”