BREAKING: Green New Deal Still Needs to Face Fossil Fuel Industry

February 7, 2019

In response to the release by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) of a resolution for a Green New Deal today, Greenpeace USA Climate Director Janet Redman said,

“Senator Ed Markey and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s resolution for a Green New Deal is moving the national climate debate to places no one thought possible even a year ago. We stand behind the effort to create millions of family-sustaining union jobs that protect our nation’s clean air, water and communities while confronting systematic injustices head-on.”

“The fossil fuel industry will not transition willingly and on its own to life-sustaining, renewable practices, because it is determined to trash our planet for its profit no matter the cost. We must make every effort to phase out fossil fuels at the same time as we promote renewable energy if we’re going to make it.”

“Just two days ago in the State of the Union address Trump bragged about an all time high in oil and gas production – willfully ignoring the global climate crisis and the inequality it exacerbates here in America. This kind of climate denial is exactly why a Green New Deal must include a just and managed phase out of oil, gas and coal, starting in the most overburdened communities. Now is the best time to be bold and confront the industry at the dead center of the climate crisis and most in need of a managed transition.”

Contact:

Cassady Craighill, [email protected], 828-817-3328