It couldn't be more obvious that the U.S. needs major environmental reform — moderate incremental compromise on climate change will NOT do the trick, especially in the limited timeframe we have to avoid catastrophe.
That's why the Democratic party needs to embrace Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's call for a Green New Deal. Though essential, shifting this country to renewable energy won't be cheap or easy, which is why it makes sense to tie it to a larger economic/jobs/public service plan in the vain of FDR's New Deal.
Of all the things the government spends money on, a massive plan that puts people to work, keeps the economy thriving, and puts us on the path toward 100% renewable energy seems like one of the most worthwhile expenditures.
While the Green New Deal is picking up steam, it's still missing support from most old-school Democrats. That's a shame because the plan is intensely popular with Americans — it has 81 percent support from people after they've heard about it — including a strong majority of Republicans.
This is the kind of platform that has the power to save the planet. And if that's not enough, this is the kind of platform that you can win elections with. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, we're looking to you to lead your party toward a greener, more prosperous future. Rally the troops and make the Green New Deal a center of the Democratic agenda.
