The Green New Deal is back, again.
While not technically a new idea, it is certainly getting some significant new media attention largely due to the efforts of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The deal basically calls for a much quicker transition to renewable energy sources than what is currently happening. A large number of Green Jobs would obviously be a part of the deal as well.
However, since the Republicans currently have the majority in the senate, this proposal is anything but guaranteed.
In light of this fact, the governors of a few states are not waiting for the passage of the Green New Deal. They are setting their states on aggressive paths of decarbonization. Let’s take a look into what actions 5 states are taking to utilize more renewable energy.
U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) hold a news conference for their proposed “Green New Deal” to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in 10 years, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S. February 7, 2019. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
New York
There is currently a bill in New York which will have the state reaching 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. It specifically calls for 40 percent by 2022 and 70 percent by 2027 before reaching its final goal. Most notable is the fact that this bill does not call for the inclusion of nuclear power, making it a truly renewable energy proposal.
Massachusetts
While Massachusetts already has a mandate to reach 100 percent renewable energy, the timeline of 2090 is, well, a joke. Instead, there are currently two bills that are proposing that the complete transition to renewable energy sources can happen by 2045. These bills have already received more than 100 co-signers. However, there has previously been resistance to similar bills in the state’s House of Representatives.
Minnesota
The state has a plan that will start at a goal of 80 percent carbon free by 2035 and 100 percent by 2050. This bill actually has a good chance of passing because at least 35 members of the state’s legislature have already signed on.
New Mexico
There are currently two bills in New Mexico which propose raising its renewable portfolio standard to 80 percent by 2045, with an interim goal of 50 percent by 2030. These bills have a decent chance of passing because of the significant presence of Democrats. They control the state’s House, Senate, and Executive positions.
Virginia
The state of Virginia currently has a bill that proposes a transition to 80 percent renewable energy by 2027.
It should also be noted that California, Hawaii, and Vermont also have aggressive renewable energy goals as well. It certainly is comforting to know that states (and cities) can take leadership roles in terms of progressive energy policies. These states’ leaders know the severity of the situation and are taking appropriate actions.
Others will follow suit soon!
