Ro Khanna Says Green New Deal Will Guide President Harris

During the Democratic National Convention, Rep. Ro Khanna (D., Calif.) emphasized the Green New Deal as a central vision for a potential President Kamala Harris. Speaking at a climate change panel, Khanna, a campaign surrogate for Harris, highlighted the initiative's focus on creating new industries and jobs in America, particularly in areas that have faced deindustrialization. He asserted that the Green New Deal aims to reduce the carbon footprint while promoting accountability for fossil fuel companies. Khanna's remarks come as the Harris campaign seeks to position her as a moderate candidate, despite her previous support for the Green New Deal. He noted that the plan would eliminate fossil fuel subsidies and reindustrialize the country, positioning the U.S. as a leader in climate action. Harris was one of the original cosponsors of the Green New Deal, which was introduced amid increasing demands from climate activists for substantial policy changes to address carbon emissions. In a significant move before joining the Biden campaign, Harris and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) introduced the Climate Equity Act, aimed at directing climate investments to vulnerable communities. This legislation was deemed foundational to the Green New Deal by the Sunrise Movement. However, analyses indicate that implementing the Green New Deal could cost between $52 trillion and $93 trillion, raising concerns about its economic feasibility and potential job losses. The Harris campaign has not provided a response to inquiries regarding Khanna's comments or the implications of the Green New Deal.