April 22nd, 2020

Earth Day and the Green New Deal 2.0

By Peter DeFazio
​Today's the 50th Earth Day. And while the Trump administration is using the coronavirus as an excuse to cut favors for big polluters, it's important to remember that Congress can respond to this national crisis while creating millions of family-wage jobs and transitioning our country to a fossil-fuel free future.
The transportation framework that I've introduced has been called the "Green New Deal 2.0" and would rebuild our national infrastructure, reduce carbon pollution, and address climate change. I'm dedicated to increasing investments in public transit, high and higher speed rail, and our highway system.
While Congress focuses on the COVID-19 crisis, we can't overlook other priorities to keep Americans safe and healthy. Research has shown that exposure to air and water pollution negatively effects a person's health. For those that contract COVID, the results of that exposure can be deadly. I firmly believe lawmakers can provide immediate relief and craft legislation that will move our country toward a defossilized future.
Even as we work to contain and defeat the coronavirus, we must move forward with goals set by the Green New Deal to save our planet. I'm proud to be on the front lines of that fight with you. I know that we'll accomplish our shared goals, one bold green step at a time.
Happy Earth Day!
Peter