Freshman lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez launched her proposed "Green New Deal" on Thursday.
Ocasio-Cortez along with Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey introduced their resolution, which aims to eliminate the U.S. carbon footprint by 2030.
The bill aims to transform the nation's economy to fight climate change and create jobs in renewable energy.
The plan proposes:
- Upgrading all existing buildings in the U.S. to be energy efficient
- Expansion of electric car manufacturing
- Restoring threatened lands and hazardous waste sites
- Working with farmers to build a more sustainable food system
"We should do it because we should lead. We should do it because that is what this nation is about. We should do it because we are a country founded on ideals, of a culture that is innovative that cares for our brothers and sisters across this country. We should do it because we are an example to the world. We need to save ourselves, and we can save the rest of the world with us," Ocasio-Cortez said.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said today that she welcomes "the enthusiasm'' of backers of the Green New Deal, but stopped short of supporting it.