Smaller U.S. squad to attend global climate talks next week

A slimmed-down U.S delegation will attend the next round of United Nations climate change meetings that begin in Germany next week, according to the State Department.

• No tea leaves, please: The State official warned that the U.S. participation "should not be taken as an indication" of the review of whether to remain in the Paris climate accord, noting that the U.S. has been attending U.N. climate talks for decades.
• What they're saying: The official said the U.S. is focused on ensuring that the global talks don't result in decisions that would "prejudice" future U.S. policy or hinder the competitiveness of U.S. businesses and economic goals.
• One level deeper: The U.S. delegation will be led by Trigg Talley, State's deputy special envoy for climate change. A provisional list of participants on the U.N. website lists five other State Department attendees as well as one White House representative.