Facts about the "Green New Deal" proposal

A lot of talk about the "GND" in recent weeks, and some misstatements such as this one: "... to permanently eliminate all Planes, Cars, Cows, Oil, Gas & the Military."

Thankfully the Washington Post has presented a reasonably brief, fact-checked summary of the proposal.

"The Green New Deal is a manifesto calling for sweeping changes to American society. Key goals include cutting greenhouse-gas emissions to net zero over 10 years and guaranteeing jobs for all.

The resolution in Congress from Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) calls for a “10-year national mobilization” that would include:

• “Guaranteeing a job with a family-sustaining wage, adequate family and medical leave, paid vacations, and retirement security to all people of the United States.” 
• “Providing all people of the United States with — (i) high-quality health care; (ii) affordable, safe, and adequate housing; (iii) economic security; and (iv) access to clean water, clean air, healthy and affordable food, and nature.” 
• “Providing resources, training, and high-quality education, including higher education, to all people of the United States.” 
• “Meeting 100 percent of the power demand in the United States through clean, renewable, and zero-emission energy sources.” 
• “Repairing and upgrading the infrastructure in the United States, including . . . by eliminating pollution and greenhouse gas emissions as much as technologically feasible.” 
• “Building or upgrading to energy-efficient, distributed, and ‘smart’ power grids, and working to ensure affordable access to electricity.” 
• “Upgrading all existing buildings in the United States and building new buildings to achieve maximal energy efficiency, water efficiency, safety, affordability, comfort, and durability, including through electrification.” 
• “Overhauling transportation systems in the United States to eliminate pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector as much as is technologically feasible, including through investment in — (i) zero-emission vehicle infrastructure and manufacturing; (ii) clean, affordable, and accessible public transportation; and (iii) high-speed rail.” 
• “Spurring massive growth in clean manufacturing in the United States and removing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing and industry as much as is technologically feasible.” 
• “Working collaboratively with farmers and ranchers in the United States to eliminate pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector as much as is technologically feasible." 

... Even if it passed, the resolution would not have the force of law. Resolutions like this are broad statements about policy priorities. 

There's more at the Washington Post, including clarification about various misstatements, including ones made by AOC and her staff.

Addendum:  The most cogent and concise arguments I've heard against the Green New Deal were elucidated by David Brooks on the February 15 broadcast of the PBS Newshour.   However admirable the goals may be,  he pointed out that implementation of them concentrates an unusual amount of power in the hands of a central government, which is against our country's founding principles, and which recent experience should show us is not a wise strategy.