Green New Deal Proposes Strict Environmental Goals

A new bill introduced to Congress last week by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) could lead to stricter environment regulations. House Resolution 109 – 116^th Congress (2019-2020), also known as the Green New Deal, does not propose that Congress budget funds but outlines goals that could inform future legislation.

The bill’s goals aim to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions; create “millions of good, high-wage jobs;” invest in the infrastructure and industry of the U.S.; secure natural resources for future generations; and promote justice and equity by stopping the oppression of vulnerable communities.

According to the bill, the goals will be accomplished through a ten-year national mobilization to:

• Build resiliency against climate change-related disasters;
• Meet 100 percent of U.S. power demand through clean, renewable and zero-emission energy sources;
• Upgrade all existing buildings in the U.S. and building new buildings to achieve maximum energy efficiency;
• Clean up existing hazardous waste and abandoned sites;
• Promote the international exchange of technology, expertise, products, funding and services; and
• Spur massive growth in clean manufacturing in the U.S. and removing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing and industry as much as technologically feasible, including by expanding renewable energy manufacturing and investing in existing manufacturing and industry.

The bill also includes goals to strengthen the right of all workers to unionize, organize and collectively bargain free of coercion, intimidation and harassment. It would also strengthen and enforce labor, workplace health and safety, anti-discrimination, and wage and hour standards across all industries. Other goals include enacting and enforcing trade rules with strong labor and environmental protection to grow domestic manufacturing in the U.S. and stop the transfer of jobs and pollution overseas. The bill would also ensure that public lands, waters and oceans are protected and that eminent domain is not abused.

If passed, the Green New Deal could impact the glass industry through tougher environmental regulations for glass plants and other industry-related manufacturing. It would also create a further push toward green building practices, which is a trend already established within the glass and glazing industry.

The American Institute of Architects 2019 president William Bates responded to the Green New Deal proposal.

“We applaud the efforts of Congress and its committees to find new ways to support achieving a carbon neutral future by 2030, which is critical to our global future,” he said. “By investing in infrastructure, upgrading the existing building stock and improving resilience in the built environment, we can make progress towards AIA’s 2030 Commitment goals. However, there’s a great deal of work that needs to be done. AIA encourages Congress to swiftly enact public policies today that will address the dire consequences we’re facing.”

AIA members are scheduled to visit Congress on Wednesday, March 6 to advocate for their action on issues of climate change, resilience and incentivizing energy efficient technologies.