U.S. could 'conceivably' re-join Paris climate agreement, Trump says

Show Caption Hide Caption Trump and Norwegian PM butt heads over Paris climate accord Trump and Norwegian PM butt heads over Paris climate accord Video provided by AFP

WASHINGTON — The United States "could conceivably go back in" to the Paris climate agreement, President Trump said Wednesday — but it would have to be under terms that don't punish the country for its wealth of fossil fuels.

"Frankly, it's an agreement that I have no problem with, but I had a problem with the agreement that they signed, because, as usual, they made a bad deal," Trump said.

His comments came during a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg at the White House. Norway, rich in Arctic oil and gas reserves, was the first developed nation to ratify the global agreement to reduce carbon emissions. The United States also joined the non-binding agreement under President Barack Obama, but Trump said last year he was withdrawing.

Trump said the issue came up in his private talks with Solberg, but "it wasn't a major topic."

During the press conference, Solberg impressed upon Trump the business opportunities in renewable energy. "We have strict regulations to meet our Paris targets, which means we have very strong policies for environment-friendly and climate-friendly technologies," she said.

Trump spoke glowingly of Norway's renewable energy. "Norway has tremendous hydro power. Tremendous," he said. "I wish we'd do some of that, but hydro power is fantastic, and it's a great asset that you have."

But earlier, while speaking about U.S. energy dominance over Russia, he also derided his former rival, Hillary Clinton, for her energy policies.

"I am for massive oil and gas and everything else, and a lot of energy," he said. "Hillary, my opponent, was for windmills, and she was for other types of energy that don't have the same capacities at this moment certainly."

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