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FEATURING VARSHINI PRAKASH – California Representative Nancy Pelosi made a strong statement on her first day as the 2019 House Speaker on the issue of climate change, referring to it as an “existential threat.” But at the same time as she made such a bold statement, a set of rules for the new House “Select Committee on the Climate Crisis” were released proponents of a “Green New Deal” pointed out that they were disappointingly weak. The committee, which is to be headed by Congresswoman Kathy Castor, will lack the power to issues subpoenas or depositions, or even vote on bills that it could send to the floor of the House for a vote.

Still, the movement of young people that launched the idea of a ‘Green New Deal,” are escalating their activism in the new year. They plan to continue bold actions all around the country drumming up support for their idea that could solve both the climate and economic crises we face.

Varshini Prakash, Founder and Communications Director of Sunrise Movement.