[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joined U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) in introducing a bicameral resolution calling for a Green New Deal that would create millions of good, high-wage jobs in the United States, provide unprecedented levels of prosperity and economic security for Americans, and counteract systemic injustices – all while addressing the existential challenge of climate change. Recent landmark studies such as the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report and the U.S. National Climate Assessment Fourth Report have made it clear that we need bold action to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, and we may have as few as 12 years to achieve it. The extreme weather, storms, droughts, and wildfires of recent years have made the worsening effects of climate change impossible to ignore.

“Climate change is the most pressing problem facing our generation,” said Murphy. “It is already posing a security threat to our nation, and we are feeling its impacts in real time. We need bold ideas if we’re going to rise to meet this challenge. I’m proud to join Senator Markey and Representative Ocasio-Cortez as an original co-sponsor of the Green New Deal.”

“Climate change is an existential crisis,” said Blumenthal. “This resolution affirms our commitment to developing a long overdue, comprehensive plan to tackle the devastating effects of climate change, create thousands of high-paying jobs in the renewable energy sector, and address the disparities in communities disproportionately affected by pollution. As the fuel cell capitol of the United States, Connecticut has always been a leader in the development of long-term energy sources that help reduce our dependence on foreign oil. It is past time for the federal government to step up and follow suit.”

A copy of the resolution is available here.

The Green New Deal Resolution lays out the goals and projects for a ten-year national mobilization to:

  • Build resiliency against climate change-related disasters;
  • Repair and upgrade U.S. infrastructure; 
  • Meet 100 percent of our power demand through clean, renewable, and zero-emission energy sources;
  • Build or upgrade to energy-efficient, distributed and “smart” power grids;
  • Upgrade all existing U.S. buildings and build new buildings, to achieve maximum energy efficiency;
  • Spur massive growth in clean U.S. manufacturing and remove pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing and industry;
  • Work with farmers and ranchers to remove pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the agriculture sector; 
  • Overhaul U.S. transportation systems;
  • Remove greenhouse gases and reduce pollution, including by restoring our natural ecosystems through proven low-tech solutions;
  • Restore and protect threatened, endangered, and fragile ecosystems;
  • Clean up existing hazardous waste and abandoned sites;
  • Make the United States the international leader on climate action and help other countries achieve a Green New Deal.

The Green New Deal outlines the principles and requirements to guide this mobilization, including ensuring democratic processes and a fair and just transition for all workers. It also includes the goals of guaranteeing that all members of society can have a job with a family-sustaining wage and are provided with high-quality health care; affordable, safe, and adequate housing; economic security; and access to a clean environment.

Senate co-sponsors of the Green New Deal resolution include: U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

Organizations endorsing the resolution include: Sierra Club, SEIU 1199, 32BJ, Sunrise, Justice Democrats, Working Families Party, People’s Action, Center for Popular Democracy, Justice First, Dream Corps / Green For All, 350.org, CREDO Action, Indivisible, Demos, Honor the Earth, Labor Network for Sustainability, National Domestic Workers Alliance, Organic Consumers Association, Presente.org, and League of Conservation Voters (LCV).

 

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