What is the Green New Deal? Introduced By Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

 

AOC Explaining GREEN NEW DEAL

Shortly before Earth Day, AOC stood with Senator Markey and a number of her allies to proudly reintroduce the Green New Deal resolution alongside the Civilian Climate Corps. Since the resolution’s original introduction in 2019, They have made so much progress - inspiring over a dozen bills and 10 regional versions of the resolution; working with then-candidate Biden to advance the federal timeline for decarbonization; and encouraging support for a just transition for front line communities and workers, even among the Coal Workers Union. It’s been an exciting two years and They have included an FAQ with more information below regarding Green New Deal. 

What is the Green New Deal?

Modeled off of FDR’s New Deal, the Green New Deal is a 10-year plan to put millions of Americans to work to build a new economy and reverse climate change. The legislation confronts the climate crisis,  centers justice and equity, and looks to repair the historic oppression of frontline and vulnerable communities. This is the only plan to tackle climate change that is as big as the problem and gives it the urgency it needs.

How will the Green New Deal affect energy prices for low-income communities?

The Green New Deal for Public Housing will reduce energy costs for low-income communities by upgrading and improving residential buildings for energy efficiency, starting with low-income households where the biggest energy savings are to be gained due to older, less efficient housing stock.  The Green New Deal for Public Housing specifically will lower energy bills by up to 70 percent annually.

What progress has been made since the GND was reintroduced two years ago? 

1. 10 localities adopted regional versions of the Green New Deal

2. We repealed the Faircloth Amendment, a federal statute that prohibits the construction of new public housing, in the House last Congress, clearing way for the Green New Deal for Public Housing

3. Coal Workers Union announced support for clean energy jobs 

4. President Biden announced a plan to cut emissions in half by 2030 

5. 60% of voters support the Green New Deal, including more than a third of Republicans!

What legislation has the GND inspired?

Here are just a few….

1. The BUILD Green Act (Levin, Warren, Markey & Ocasio-Cortez) 

2. National Climate Emergency Act (Blumenauer, Sanders)

3. Emergency Water is a Human Right Act (Tlaib, Dingell)

4. Environmental Justice Mapping and Data Collection Act (Bush, Markey, Duckworth)

5. GND for Cities (Bush, Ocasio-Cortez) 

6. Climate-Smart Ports Act (Barragán, Merkley)

7. Energy Resilient Communities Act (Barragán, Clarke)

8. Civilian Climate Corps (Ocasio-Cortez, Markey) 

9. End Polluter Welfare Act (Omar, Sanders, Merkley, Markey, Barragán)

10. Green New Deal for Public Housing (Ocasio-Cortez, Sanders)

11. EV Freedom Act (Levin, Ocasio-Cortez)