International Renewable Energy Agency Director General Francesco La Camera says the “door remains open for further cooperation” following the announcement that the United States is withdrawing its membership.
The United States withdraws its membership from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
IRENA is one of 66 international organizations from which President Donald Trump ordered the US to withdraw via an executive order last week. The full list, which is mainly aimed at organizations dealing with climate, labor and migration, also includes the International Solar Alliance and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
A statement published by the US Department of State said the Trump administration found these institutions “redundant in scope, mismanaged, unnecessary, wasteful, mismanaged, captured by the interests of actors who advance their own agendas that conflict with ours, or threaten the sovereignty, freedoms and general prosperity of our nation.”
A memorandum of understanding signed by Trump adds that withdrawal for all entities affiliated with the United Nations, such as IRENA, will mean ceasing participation or funding to the extent permitted by law.
IRENA Director General Francesco La Camera released a statement saying he regrets the US decision to withdraw its membership, while adding that the door for further cooperation remains open.
“We recognize the valuable contributions the United States has made to the work of IRENA and its 171 members over the years and hope to see a renewed commitment in the future,” La Camera said.
La Camera also emphasized that renewable energy sources are not only a climate solution, but also a decisive factor in the competitiveness of economies and essential in the current uncertain environment to guarantee energy security and strengthen geopolitical positions.
“International cooperation is more important than ever, and IRENA remains committed to supporting countries and companies in their efforts to accelerate the global energy transition and deliver the socio-economic, environmental and security benefits of renewable energy to boost their development,” he added.
In December, the U.S. Department of Energy renamed the National Renewable Energy Laboratory the National Laboratory of the Rockies, a move the department said aligned the institute’s mandate with the Trump administration’s applied energy priorities.
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