In facing the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee for confirmation of her appointment as U.S. ambassador to the UN, Kelly Craft said she intends to recuse herself from any UN talks about coal issues. Ms. Craft, who is president Donald Trump’s second choice as envoy to the UN made the statement for the simple reason that her husband Joe Craft is a coal billionaire, being the Chief Executive of Alliance Resource Partners LP, one of the largest coal-producing companies in the U.S.
Currently, the coal-billionaire’s wife is the U.S. ambassador to Canada.
Nonetheless, and despite Trump’s aversion to campaigns on climate change, Ms. Craft made it clear that personally, she believes fossil fuels are partly to blame for the climate changes that have been occurring globally. In fact, Trump’s pick, stated clearly that
“Without a doubt, human behavior has greatly contributed to the ongoing climate change and that it poses real threats to our planet…if confirmed, I will be an advocate in addressing issues pertaining to climate change.”
Ms. Craft’s statements are in stark contrast to Trump’s stance against climate change science and initiatives. A stand he announced two years ago when said the United States will withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. Said UN agreement aims to reduce global carbon emissions, being the most important element that scientists linked to harmful climate change.
Actually, Ambassador Craft’s nomination came up after Trump’s first choice, Heather Nauert, spokeswoman for the State Department withdrew her name from consideration citing her family as reasons. Ms. Craft though, will be facing other challenges aside from the climate change issues that U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres designated as a top priority, including making calls to end the construction of coal-powered plants.
Other Pressing Matters that Ambassador Craft Vows to Count Herself In
If Kelly Craft’s appointment as UN ambassador receives confirmation from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, she will be filling the position left by Nikki Haley in December 2018.
In taking over the post that was abruptly vacated by Haley for unclear reasons, Ms. Craft will join in UN efforts to discuss plans for containing Iran’s desire to spread influence in the Middle East. She will also be part of global body that intends to maintain rigid sanctions on North Korea to keep the country from wielding its weapons of mass destruction.
As additional concession for her approval, she told the Senate Committee she will keep a clear eye on Russians, because she does not view them as a friend to the country she represents.