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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University President Edward J. Ray today reaffirmed the university's unwavering commitment to address climate change.

Ray's memo to faculty, staff and students was prompted by the Trump administration's announcement last week that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change mitigation.

"I want to assure the Oregon State University community that we remain steadfast in our resolve to advance our institution's commitments toward the global challenge of climate change," Ray wrote. "We are resolute in our work to reduce the institution's carbon footprint; to pursue world-class research that improves knowledge and informs strategic actions; and to empower our students and communities through education and capacity building."

Ten years ago - in April, 2007 - Ray signed what was then known as the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, now known as the Carbon Commitment. It set Oregon State on an ambitious path to reduce and ultimately eliminate the university's planet-altering institutional carbon emissions. During the last decade, OSU has reduced its annual per-student carbon emissions 38 percent.

The university has no intention to reduce or defer its commitment to climate action; instead it must continue to invest to decrease emissions further, Ray wrote.

As a sun grant university, OSU is an international leader in research efforts to develop renewable and low-carbon sources of energy including wave, wind, nuclear and solar energy systems. For example, in December, OSU's Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center was awarded up to $40 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to create the world's premier wave energy test facility in Newport.

As the home of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute, OSU also participates in a network of more than 150 researchers throughout the state, including partners in state and federal agencies, who are working to address many climate issues, including ocean acidification, rising sea levels and changes in water availability and quality.

Ray concluded his memo with these words: "Let me assure you that we are unwavering in our commitment to address climate change, one of the world's most pressing issues. We will continue to be a strong partner and collaborate with other universities, cities, states, and key federal entities. With our collective and continued resolve in these efforts, I am confident that Oregon State will continue to be a leader in climate change research and sustainability to provide a healthy planet for all of us."

To read Ray's full statement visit: http://bit.ly/2r3DN5T