Markey releases infrastructure suggestions that align with Green New Deal goals

Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) said Wednesday that any new infrastructure package should be designed to fight climate change.

Amid hopes of progress on an infrastructure deal, Markey released a white paper that calls for investments in infrastructure that “protect the environment … reduce heat-trapping emissions, protect public health, and help communities adapt to unavoidable climate impacts.”

Climate change is already having an impact on transportation infrastructure — portions of the Northeast Amrtrak line are battling rising waters and roads and bridges must withstand increasingly strong storms. Markey estimates climate change poses a risk to approximately $1 trillion of U.S. real estate.

{mosads}Markey said the government needs to create resiliency standards for infrastructure that “promote responsible spending by investing in projects and natural infrastructure that take into account and are able to withstand climate impacts.”

His proposal would help meet the goals set forth in the Green New Deal resolution he sponsored alongside Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).

The white paper calls for expanding and electrifying mass transit, providing greater funding for research into batteries for electric cars while expanding tax credits for the vehicles, and upgrading buildings to be more energy efficient, along with other proposals.

The paper also nods to other Green New Deal goals, calling for a reduction of emissions and pollution, building schools and paying construction workers involved in building projects a living wage.

Despite the renewed interest in an infrastructure bill, progress has already hit another snag. President Trump walked away from a Wednesday meeting with Democrats on the topic, saying he wouldn’t work with them until congressional investigations into his administration cease.