"Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) signed an executive order yesterday to join the U.S. Climate Alliance, bringing one of America's largest coal producing states and carbon emitters into a coalition dedicated to upholding the terms of the Paris climate accord.

The move makes Illinois the 18th state to partner with the alliance and fulfills a campaign pledge by Pritzker, who ousted former Gov. Bruce Rauner, a Republican who largely remained silent on climate issues, in November.

"Today we're here to make clear this administration will stand on the side of science and of reason," Pritzker said in a press conference announcing the decision. "We know that climate change is real. We know that it is a threat. I don't think there's any disputing that anymore. And we know we must act.""

Benjamin Storrow reports for ClimateWire January 24, 2019. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"New Governors Target Climate Change from Day One in Vulnerable Great Lakes Region" (InsideClimate News) [3]