City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) and City Council President Pro Tempore Michael J. Correia (Ward 6) co-sponsored a resolution endorsing and urging passage by the General Assembly of House Resolution 2019 H-5665 and Senate Resolution 2019 S-0659. These resolutions request an assessment of the benefits to Rhode Island of enactment of the Green New Deal that was proposed at the Federal level and supported by the Rhode Island delegation.

“For too long, too many people have thought of Climate Change as something that doesn’t affect them, and has no bearing on their daily life or routine,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos. “The Green New Deal does not only have the potential to stimulate the economy but will also help mitigate issues that stem from a changing climate. Including dealing with our rising sea level, which has major ramifications for the city of Providence and the state of Rhode Island. The time is now for us to work to plan for a brighter future for Providence, Rhode Island, and our nation. I believe that the Green New Deal can play a major role in creating jobs, and creating a greener and more resilient planet.”

The Green New Deal (GND) is a proposed federal stimulus program that aims to address climate change and economic inequality. The name refers to the New Deal, a set of social and economic reforms and public work projects undertaken in response to the Great Depression. The GND combines the economic approach instituted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt with 21^st-century ideas such as renewable energy and resource efficiency.