House Democrats have announced a Green New Deal they call more ‘realistic’

Solar and wind companies have criticized the original version of the Green New Deal, introduced by Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Edward Markey in February, as unrealistic and politically divisive.

What Happened?

An influential group of U.S. House Democrats has unveiled an alternative to the green new deal which they said featured a “more realistic” goal to cut carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050 rather than by 2030.

Representative Frank Pallone introduced the plan by saying:

“what we’re really trying to do here is come up with a united front that’s driven by the scientific community and that’s consensus”.

Why It Matters

“Net-zero” means cutting carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions 100 percent or offsetting them by as much as is emitted.

This new proposal is clearly “a rival” to the green new deal, which highlights the rift with the party’s more progressive wing, that has rallied around the green new deal and its goal of a carbon-free economy by 2030.

Analysts described the announcement as an effort by centrist Democrats to reclaim the climate agenda while treating global warming with the urgency that scientists say it demands.