Should we pursue net-zero greenhouse gas emissions over 10 years?

Environment and Energy
Green New Deal (H.Res. 109)
Awaiting Vote
Bill Summary

The Green New Deal sets forth a 10-year plan that aims to have net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, create high wage jobs, invest in infrastructure, and promote justice and equality for vulnerable communities. This bill is motivated by a foundational belief that climate change represents a direct threat to the national and fiscal security of the U.S. With this is a program of climate-oriented investment into sustainable energy industry and infrastructure with the goal of effecting a more just and equitable society. To achieve these goals, H.Res. 109 would include repairing and upgrading infrastructure with specific attention to impacts on climate change, transition all of the U.S.’s energy needs to clean and renewable energy sources, and making manufacturing as “clean” as possible. By promoting education, training, and direct investment to developing new clean energy technologies, the bill aims to incorporate business, governments, and individuals (with special attention paid to vulnerable populations such as indigenous communities) to make the U.S. a leader in fighting climate change and ensure all people benefit from the efforts. Sponsor: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Democrat, New York, District 14)
View full bill text ➔

How do you feel?

One click sends your opinion
Oppose Support

Opponents say

• “I don’t actually think the Green New Deal is the right way to go. I certainly support the fact that it’s put a lot of attention on this incredibly important issue but I don’t support the notion of making it harder to get something done on climate change…. If we want to actually make a difference on climate change, we have to do something right away and it’s got to be big. And there are some things that we can do that are big right away. So let’s not do things to make that it harder.” - Former U.S. Rep. John Delaney
• “It's time as a party that we started putting some meat on the bone and laying out exactly what a Green New Deal should include, and I believe that that plan should be bold and ambitious and, most importantly, achievable. I'm a little bit tired of listening to things that are pie in the sky, that we never are going to pass, are never going to afford. I think it's just disingenuous to promote those things. You've got to do something that's practical." - Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg

Proponents say

• “The Green New Deal resolution marks the beginning of a crucial dialogue on climate legislation in the U.S. Mother Nature has awakened so many Americans to the urgent threat of the climate crisis, and this proposal responds to the growing concern and demand for action. The goals are ambitious and comprehensive – now the work begins to decide the best ways to achieve them, with specific policy solutions tied to timelines. It is critical that this process unfolds in close dialogue with the frontline communities that bear the disproportionate impacts today, as this resolution acknowledges. Policymakers and Presidential candidates would be wise to embrace a Green New Deal and commit to the hard work of seeing it through.” - Former Vice President Al Gore
• “From his first days in office, President Donald Trump has stacked his administration with fossil fuel lobbyists, given taxpayer-funded handouts to coal and oil barons, silenced his own scientists, and alienated our closest allies by walking away from the Paris climate agreement. The new Congress and the Green New Deal resolution show us there is a better way. A Green New Deal can help America make the right investments to build a 100 percent clean energy economy, create good-paying union jobs, conserve our lands and waters, protect our children so that they are no longer breathing toxic air, and ensure that new energy technologies are invented and manufactured in America and are exported and used around the globe.” - John Podesta, Founder and Director, Center for American Progress
• “Climate change and our environmental challenges are one of the biggest existential threats to our way of life.” - Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D, NY-14)
Further Reading
−  Less Information
Next Bill >

IssueVoter is a non-partisan civic engagement platform.

Sign up to make your voice count before laws pass and keep your lawmaker accountable.

  • Get alerts about bills before they pass.
  • See summaries, pros/cons, and recent news for each bill.
  • Send your opinion in 1-click.
  • Track your rep’s activity year-round.
  • Make a more informed decision at election time.
Register