Climate action will undoubtedly be on the agenda. As Democrats prepare to tout their priorities for 2021, the progressive nonprofit group NewDEAL outlined a set of recommendations for state and local leaders to address climate change in their communities. The group is co-chaired by Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and former Delaware Governor Jack Markell and has more than 150 members who are state and local government officials across the country.
Their policy platform calls for dramatic greenhouse gas emission reductions via renewable energy, greener buildings and transportation, and putting a price on carbon. Environmental justice should be central in order to protect vulnerable communities, the group said. The platform also proposes strategies for mitigating the risks of wildfires, flooding and extreme heat, as well as how to build support among voters.
This afternoon, Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and Norfolk, Va., Councilwoman Andria McClellan — who led the development of NewDEAL’s climate policy — will discuss the work during an event with Washington Gov. Jay Inslee; Gina McCarthy, former EPA administrator during the Obama administration; and Microsoft President Brad Smith.