Barack Obama congratulated for clean energy agreement with India

WASHINGTON: A top American Senator has congratulated US President Barack Obama for reaching an agreement with India to generate more renewable energy and thus reduce impact on the world's climate.

"This agreement with India is significant progress toward the larger goal of a reaching a comprehensive global agreement on climate change in Paris later this year," said Senator Tom Carper, a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

In a statement, Carper said he is particularly pleased with the cooperation on the phasedown of hydroflurocarbons (HFCs), that are used in millions of households for things like air conditioning and refrigeration, and contribute to a large share of the greenhouse gas emissions in the United States and around the world.

"I'm also happy this agreement outlines the implementation of the Environmental Protection Agency's AIRNow-International program and megacities partnerships," he said.

"This partnership focuses on disseminating information to help urban residents reduce their exposure to harmful levels of air pollution, and enables urban policy planners to implement strategies for improving ambient air quality in cities," Carper said.

These international partnerships are vehicles the US and its global partners can use to encourage real change and progress in preserving and protecting our environment for the next generation, he said.

"I am very encouraged by the progress we've made with our partners in India. I believe this agreement will enable both of our countries to grow our renewable energy economies and clean up our air at the same time," Carper said.