Nov 15, 2019 - Energy & Environment

Filling in the blanks on the Green New Deal

Ben Geman, author of Generate

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) on Thursday unveiled a 10-year plan to spend up to $180 billion to decarbonize and overhaul the nation's public housing.

Why it matters: The lawmakers are calling the proposed bill the first attempt from Green New Deal sponsors to begin adding legislative details to the sweeping concept.

  • These aren't just random legislators: Sanders is a top-tier Democratic candidate for the White House, and Ocasio-Cortez is a popular and influential figure in progressive circles.
  • White House hopeful Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who at times has challenged former Vice President Joe Biden for the lead in the primary race, is a co-sponsor.

How it works: The far-reaching plan envisions grants for efficiency overhauls and renewable energy use; workforce development; improved water quality; construction of community and childcare centers; recycling; improved transportation access and more.

The big picture: It's very Green New Deal-y.

  • The plan combines big investments (beyond what's likely to pass), an aggressive timeline and a multi-topic focus that extends beyond climate into economic and social justice realms.
  • On that last point, it emphasizes housing rights and needs, job training, and a "sustainable safety net." Plus, it calls for tenant leadership and job production to play a role in the overhaul itself.

Go deeper:

Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify the scope of the proposed legislation and that the plan would spend up to $180 billion.

Go deeper

Axios
Updated 43 mins ago - Politics & Policy

Supreme Court clears way for first federal execution since 2003

Lethal injection facility in San Quentin, California. Photo: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation via Getty Images

The Supreme Court ruled early Tuesday that federal executions can resume, reversing a lower court decision and paving the way for the first lethal injection since 2003 to take place at a federal prison in Indiana, AP reports.

The big picture: A lower court had delayed the execution, saying inmates had provided evidence the government's plan to carry out executions using lethal injections "poses an unconstitutionally significant risk of serious pain."

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Sam Baker
2 hours ago - Health

More Republicans say they're wearing masks

Data: Axios/Ipsos poll; Chart: Andrew Witherspoon/Axios

Nearly two-thirds of Americans — and a noticeably increasing number of Republicans — say they’re wearing a face mask whenever they leave the house, according to the latest installment of the Axios-Ipsos Coronavirus Index.

Why it matters: A weakening partisan divide over masks, and a broad-based increase in the number of people wearing them, would be a welcome development as most of the country tries to beat back a rapidly growing outbreak.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Joann Muller
2 hours ago - Economy & Business

Buildings are getting tested for coronavirus, too

Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios

Testing buildings — not just people — could be an important way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Why it matters: People won't feel safe returning to schools, offices, bars and restaurants unless they can be assured they won't be infected by coronavirus particles lingering in the air — or being pumped through the buildings' air ducts. One day, even office furniture lined with plants could be used to clean air in cubicles.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow