The Progressive

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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Thanu Yakupitiyage, thanu@350action.org; Monica Mohapatra, monica.mohapatra@350.org

350 Action Responds to Bernie Sanders "Green New Deal" 2020 Climate Plan

WASHINGTON

Early Thursday morning, Bernie Sanders launched his $16 trillion plan to tackle the climate crisis, definitively embracing progressive action by calling it, simply, the "Green New Deal." Sanders' plan responds to the large swath of voters who say 'global warming' is a top issue for them. Among other issues, his plan particularly emphasizes commitment to a just transition and protection of frontline communities, including workers, farmers, and those in the most climate impacted regions. Sanders' plan also focuses on corporate accountability against the "fossil fuel industry's greed" and meeting global standards for emission reductions.

350 Action's Director Tamara O' Laughlin said, in response to the plan:

"It's no coincidence that Bernie Sanders' plan is in sync with the Green New Deal. To take the name, you have to "walk the walk", and the Sanders plan certainly does that. With an unmatched funding commitment to investments in renewable energy, Bernie Sanders is leading the field on ambition for a just transition, and truly embraces the climate movement's work in his strategy. 350.org continues to advocate for climate planning that centers people, we commend Senator Sanders for uplifting frontline communities and workers in his plan.

"What's most exciting about Senator Sanders' plan is that it is deeply integrated into the other goals of the Sanders campaign. The candidate, in 2016 and now in 2019, has built a solid campaign platform of corporate accountability in order to advocate for workers and reduce inequity in the United States. By integrating the Green New Deal into his climate plan, Senator Sanders connects the work that must be done to transform the climate crisis to popular progressive work taking place across the nation on issues including economic justice and access to healthcare. We expect this of Senator Sanders, but also demand it of all political candidates who hope to lead this country through one of the most catastrophic emergencies of our time. All candidates should take notice of Senator Sanders' hard line on accountability for the Fossil Fuel corporations, and its executives who have profited from global destruction for decades.

"The Sanders plan comes "one month before the Global Climate Strikes, as a bold reminder of the scale of action we expect from candidates for the highest public office in this country. This plan demonstrates that all candidates can be accountable to peoples' movements, who make strong demands for the policies enacted in Washington. With its ambition and design, we look to it as a model in the upcoming election season."

350 Action is the independent political action arm of the non-profit, non-partisan climate justice group 350.org.