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Democrats Retreat From Green New Deal as They Recalibrate Climate Strategy

A focus on energy affordability is replacing bold climate targets in Democrats’ public messaging.

Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Image
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) speaks during a news conference held to re-introduce the Green New Deal at the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on April 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. The news conference was held ahead of Earth Day later this week. (Photo by Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Congressional Democrats invoked “Green New Deal” only six times over the past three months, its fewest mentions since 2018, according to Quorum data.
  • Republicans cited the proposal 337 times in the same period to attack Democrats’ climate agenda as extreme.
  • Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey have not reintroduced their signature resolution in the current session.
  • Lawmakers are highlighting energy cost savings and job creation rather than pursuing broad environmental legislation.
  • Officials such as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro are endorsing natural gas projects, underscoring internal debates over pragmatic energy policies.