Several Minnesota-based companies have joined a coalition of more than 100 U.S. businesses supporting the Paris Agreement, a global climate change initiative.
Nearly every nation will sign the agreement Friday, committing to lower greenhouse-gas emissions, no matter how big or small their economies. Minnesota-based General Mills, M.A. Mortenson Co. and Aveda are among the 110 companies supporting the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement and calling for action on the EPA's Clean Power Plan, a proposal targeting carbon reduction in the U.S.
"We support clean energy development and sustainable building practices that help lead to lower carbon emissions and a healthier environment. But while we stand in celebration today, we know a lot of work still must be done to create the low-carbon economy that will allow future generations to thrive," said David Mortenson, chairman of Golden Valley-based Mortenson, in a statement.
Other companies with a large Minnesota presence, such as Perkins + Will and Jones Lang LaSalle, and Wisconsin-based Organic Valley, have also joined the coalition.
In a statement released Wednesday, the group urged swift action on the Clean Power Plan, which the U.S. Supreme Court has put on stay until legal challenges can be resolved. This is a key part of the United States' pledge to meet its target for emissions reduction by 30 percent by 2030.
The coalition, called We Mean Business, has also released an analysis on what companies can expect from the Paris Agreement.
