Democrats call for resolution to tackle climate change, sluggish economy and racial injustice

Democrats are presenting a new resolution outlining an economic vision they hope to fight climate change while fighting racial injustice.

The THRIVE Act, short for Transform, Heal, and Renew by Investing in a Vibrant Economy, echoes many of the principles set out in the Green New Deal, calling for strong labor protections and access to unions, “improving New Deal era institutions. »And curb global warming.

Democratic lawmakers see the legislation as a way to combat the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are living in a collision of crises: the COVID pandemic, the effects of climate change, racial and economic injustices have led to the greatest health crisis we have seen in 100 years, the greatest economic crisis we have seen in 75 years old, and we cannot play with these crises, â€said Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (DN.Y.).

“We can’t pick just one to focus on, and that’s the beauty of THRIVE. It brings everything together. “

The bill puts more emphasis on racial inequality, calling for 40% of federal government investments to go to communities “hurt by racist or unjust practices”, while calling for efforts to stem pollution which often overloads many of the same spaces.

Legislation comes as Speaker of the House Nancy PelosiNancy Pelosi White House: Window to Finalize Broad “Closure†Budget Package Emanuel to Take Place of Senate Confirmation Hearing Fixing Congress Requires Adjusting How It Laws MORE (D-Calif.) Said climate change would be a priority on Democrats’ 2021 agenda.

The resolution, presented to the House by Rep. Deb HaalandDeb HaalandOvernight Energy & Environment – Presented by ExxonMobil – Biden administration breaks down climate finance roadmap Protesters arrested after Home Office sit-in Obama to attend Glasgow climate summit MORE (DN.M.) with 85 co-sponsors, is more a list of priorities than a course of action.

It calls for reducing pollution and removing all lead pipes, while strengthening support for public schools and housing and offering alternatives to imprisonment.

“THRIVE makes it very clear that we are not leaving any of these communities behind,†Sen said. Ed markeyEd MarkeyEmanuel to feature prominently in Senate confirmation hearing Manchin’s climate stance threatens to shatter infrastructure talks Senate GOP signals they will help bail out Biden Fed Chairman MORE (D-Mass.) A sponsor of the 2019 Green New Deal legislation.

“We are going to have an incredible economic revolution in this country that provides the jobs of tomorrow, while ensuring that we face historic inequalities. We know black and brown families have always breathed a different air than white suburban communities, â€Markey said. He also noted that these same communities have been disproportionately affected by the virus.

“The future has just entered this room and we are going to save the planet.”

The resolution sets out a goal for the United States to switch to fully carbon-free electricity by 2035, in addition to ensuring that the global temperature does not rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius. However, the resolution does not offer details on how to achieve these goals.

The resolution declares that any funding distributed under the vision will not go to fossil fuel companies.

Sponsors estimate that the legislation will create 16 million new jobs. The resolution calls for strengthening infrastructure, healthcare, renovating homes and buildings to reduce their carbon footprint, and investing in clean energy.

Following through on the legislation would likely require Democratic majorities in Congress and a White House turnaround.

“If, God willing, I become majority leader next year, you can be sure that we will make the passage of a just economic renewable bill a top priority,” Schumer said.

“Even in the face of this global pandemic, we can and must develop solutions to the climate crisis that create good jobs, invest in our communities and ensure healthy lives for everyone, regardless of the zip code. Our response will shape our company for decades to come. ”