Cindy Carr, (202) 495-3034 or cindy.carr@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Senator Ed Markey and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced joint resolutions in the Senate and House, respectively, that unveiled a bold plan for a Green New Deal to tackle the climate crisis, create millions of good, high-wage jobs, secure clean air and water, and counteract systemic injustices.
The Sierra Club endorsed these Green New Deal resolutions and is mobilizing its more than 3.5 million members and supporters to encourage broad congressional backing for the resolutions.
Today’s resolutions outline 14 Green New Deal projects, including proposals to “repair and upgrade U.S. infrastructure,” retrofit buildings, “build resiliency against climate change-related disasters,” “meet 100 percent of our power demand through clean, renewable and zero-emission energy sources,” restore our ecosystems, and “spur massive growth in clean U.S. manufacturing.” The resolutions make clear that specific policies to implement these projects must be developed via an inclusive process, “led by frontline and vulnerable communities and workers.”
The Sierra Club will continue working with a broad array of partners, frontline communities, and members of Congress -- as it has for much of the past year -- to help build alignment and momentum behind the Green New Deal goals and projects named in today’s resolutions.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
“These Green New Deal resolutions offer a bold plan to tackle the climate crisis and inequality -- two of the defining crises of our time -- at the speed and scale that science and justice demand. A Green New Deal presents the opportunity to help transition from an economy of low wages and toxic pollution to one driven by dignified work and 100 percent clean energy.
“The Sierra Club applauds Senator Markey and Representative Ocasio-Cortez for outlining a Green New Deal vision that would create millions of high-paying jobs, counteract systemic injustices, ensure access to clean air and water, and support community-led efforts to prevent climate disasters.
“Building a more inclusive economy requires an inclusive process. We look forward to continuing to work with a broad array of partners, members of Congress, and frontline communities to forge shared Green New Deal proposals and fuel the growing momentum for this transformative vision.”
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Read our latest article on five big ideas for a Green New Deal here.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.