Green New Deal

Green New Deal
Name	Green New Deal
Legislature	116th United States Congress
Introduced in the	United States House of Representatives
Introduced by	Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ed Markey
Introduced date	February 7, 2019
Summary	A proposed package of federal programs and legislation addressing climate change and economic inequality.

Green New Deal. The Green New Deal is a congressional resolution and framework for mobilizing the United States economy to achieve net-zero emissions and create economic prosperity. It draws its name and inspiration from the New Deal programs of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, aiming to address the dual crises of climate change and inequality through massive public investment. The proposal has sparked significant national debate, influencing policy discussions within the Democratic Party and shaping the climate platforms of figures like Joe Biden.

Overview

The framework envisions a ten-year national mobilization to overhaul the nation's infrastructure and energy systems. Its core objectives are to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from key sectors like transportation and energy while guaranteeing new high-wage jobs and social justice. Proponents argue it is necessary to meet the targets outlined in the Paris Agreement and to prevent the worst effects of global warming. The scope of the proposal extends beyond environmental policy to include goals for health care, housing, and labor rights.

History and background

The term "Green New Deal" was popularized by journalist Thomas Friedman in a 2007 column, but the modern political movement was galvanized by youth activists from the Sunrise Movement. Following the 2018 midterm elections, the group staged a sit-in at the office of Nancy Pelosi, demanding aggressive climate action. This helped prompt Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts to introduce a non-binding resolution in the 116th United States Congress. The concept builds upon earlier domestic initiatives like the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and international models such as the European Green Deal.

Key provisions and goals

Key goals include transitioning the United States to 100% clean, renewable, and zero-emission energy sources, such as wind power and solar power. It calls for upgrading all existing buildings for energy efficiency and building resilient, smart power grids. The framework seeks to overhaul transportation systems through investment in zero-emission vehicles, high-speed rail, and expanded public transit. Additional provisions aim to support family farms, invest in sustainable agriculture, and restore ecosystems like wetlands and forests.

Legislative proposals and implementation

The initial 2019 resolution did not pass the United States Senate, but it inspired subsequent legislative efforts. These include the Green New Deal for Public Housing Act and the Civilian Climate Corps initiative, modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps. Components of the framework were incorporated into major proposals like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Implementation would involve multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, and could utilize mechanisms like a National Investment Authority.

Economic and environmental impacts

Proponents, including economists like Joseph Stiglitz and organizations like the Political Economy Research Institute, argue the plan would spur a economic boom and create millions of jobs in sectors like manufacturing and construction. They cite studies projecting significant reductions in air pollution and associated public health benefits. Critics, including the American Action Forum and some members of the United States Chamber of Commerce, warn of exorbitant costs, potential increases in the national debt, and risks to economic competitiveness. The debate often centers on models from institutions like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the International Monetary Fund.

Political reception and debate

The proposal has received strong support from progressive members of the Democratic Party, including the Congressional Progressive Caucus and figures like Bernie Sanders. It has been uniformly opposed by the Republican Party, with senators like Mitch McConnell bringing it to a floor vote to force political division. The plan has influenced international discussions, noted by figures such as António Guterres of the United Nations, and has been a focal point in elections, including the 2020 United States presidential election. Think tanks like the Heritage Foundation and media outlets like Fox News have been prominent critics, while activists from the Sunrise Movement and Justice Democrats continue to advocate for its principles.

Category:Climate change policy in the United States Category:Proposed laws of the United States Category:Economic policy of the United States