Trump delays decision on Paris climate agreement, spokesman says

WASHINGTON – President Trump will wait until after a late May summit to decide whether or not the United States will pull out of the landmark Paris climate change agreement, his spokesman said Tuesday.

Trump had hoped to announce a decision by the Group of Seven nations summit May 26-27 in Sicily, Italy, but White House press secretary Sean Spicer said it has now been put off. "The president wants to continue to meet with his team," Spicer said, and come up with a decision "in the best interest of the United States."

Trump is getting a variety of advice regarding the climate deal reached during President Barack Obama's administration, officials said.

The Paris agreement requires nearly 200 nations, including China as well as the United States, to commit to voluntary plans to reduce carbon emissions.

Some Trump aides want the U.S. to withdraw, saying the accord's commitments to reduce greenhouse gases in future years will damage the U.S. energy industry. Others say the U.S. should stay in the accord in order to shape the debate over climate change and avoid diplomatic problems associated by withdrawal.