Gaetz drafts Green Real Deal climate resolution to counter Dems

Rep. Matt Gaetz has drafted a climate resolution in response to the Democrats’ Green New Deal, titled the Green Real Deal.

The Florida Republican has circulated a draft copy of the resolution, which was obtained by Politico. The copy of the draft said “DELIBERATIVE DRAFT – DO NOT CITE, QUOTE OR DISTRIBUTE.”

It acknowledges that climate change presents “growing challenges to human health and safety, quality of life, and the rate of economic growth.”

Gaetz, a supporter of President Trump, tweeted last week that “climate change is real” and “humans contribute.” He previously sponsored a bill to eliminate the Environmental Protection Agency.

“It is the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green Real Deal,” his draft says, laying out a a slew of proposals such as the federal government fostering innovation for clean energy options and modernizing regulations so that those technologies are easier to use. It also calls for the U.S. to position itself as a global leader and work with utility companies “to ensure the speedy yet realistic and consumer-friendly adoption of renewable energy including solar, wind and geothermal.”

The five-page draft says the U.S. has decreased its level of greenhouse emissions by about 10 percent since 2005, but it does not lay out future targets.

The Green New Deal introduced last month by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., has faced heavy opposition for its ambitious goals.

The 16-page resolution called for eliminating fossil fuels, as well as universal healthcare and guaranteed jobs.

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