Green New Deal Calls for Overhaul of U.S. Energy Infrastructure

Representative Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) recently introduced a new Congressional resolution (H.Res. 109) that sets a number of goals for creating jobs and reducing U.S. carbon emissions to zero over a 10 year period. While the proposal was met with criticism for being short on specifics, the sponsors hope to drive the conversation towards legislative proposals that would require large new investments in energy, transportation, agriculture, and many other sectors of the economy. 

“Climate change and our environmental challenges are the biggest existential threats to our way of life,” Ms. Ocasio-Cortez said in introducing the resolution. “We must be as ambitious and innovative in our solutions as possible.” Sen. Markey further noted, “We will save all of creation by engaging in massive job creation.”

The initiative’s focus on carbon emissions reduction is tied directly to its job creation goals. The resolution implies massive new investments for overhauling the U.S. transportation sector, which could including installing clean, affordable, and accessible public transit as well as infrastructure to support zero-emission transportation.

To view the Green New Deal resolution in full, visit: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/109/text