Ocasio-Cortez unveils her 'Green New Deal'
by Josh Siegel
| February 07, 2019 08:09 AM
Democrats introduced a "Green New Deal" resolution Thursday that calls for a dramatic shift in the nation's energy system to fight climate change.
The nonbinding resolution, introduced by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., contains many of the same core tenets promised by progressives eager to push Democrats further to the left on climate policy heading into the 2020 presidential election.
The resolution contains several goals that can't be turned into actual programs since it is nonbinding, and thus serves as a messaging document more than a policy proposal. NPR posted the resolution online Thursday.
It calls for "net-zero greenhouse gas emissions" by 2030, but in a subtle shift that could expand support to centrist Democrats, it also allows for noncarbon-emitting energy sources that aren’t wind and solar power to reach the goal. Progressives had originally promised 100 percent renewable energy and banning fossil fuels.
It urges the elimination of carbon-based fuel all the major segments of the economy — electricity, manufacturing, buildings, transportation, and even agriculture — all while ensuring a "fair and just transition for all communities and workers."
The resolution proposes massive public investments in clean energy infrastructure on things such as light rail and weatherized buildings.
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https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/energy/ocasio-cortez-unveils-her-green-new-deal