We need a green new deal

Not a day goes by without a story showing the tremendous toll climate disruption is having on our communities. From bigger floods, storms, and fires to intensifying heat waves, public health risks, and economic challenges, there is no denying climate change is both seriously real and utterly catastrophic. I also believe that the federal government – particularly right now – has an abysmal record on climate progress, and an enormous responsibility to address it.

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That’s why today, I’m excited to share a message of hope. We know the magnitude of what needs to be done to address climate change. Now we have a vision to do just that: the Green New Deal resolution. 

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You may have already heard about the Green New Deal, a bold, broad, equitable vision that harnesses the incredible urgency of this moment to make rapid progress in our fight for the climate. In fact, I’ve written about it before. Fueled by immense social power, the Green New Deal resolution puts forward a series of goals to achieve this comprehensive, rapid-scale decarbonization of our economy, ensuring a just transition for the millions of Americans disproportionately affected by climate change. It moves beyond prior small, incremental steps in favor of solutions equal to the enormity of the challenge. 

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The Green New Deal resolution is essential in building and sustaining momentum to deal with the climate crisis. Its message is one of ambitious, achievable, and necessary hope. That’s why I’m excited to partner with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to help write this resolution, and define its goals for this Congress.

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Nobody’s health, home, or livelihood should be compromised by our inability to act. So, let’s make this hopeful vision a reality. There is no power greater than hope and there is no time to waste.

 

Courage,

 

Earl Blumenauer

Member of Congress