Former Vice President Al Gore voiced his support Tuesday for Democratic New York Rep.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s plan to tackle global warming.
“About to bring our 8th annual #24HoursofReality to a close with my strong support for a #GreenNewDeal, which will create jobs, invest in the right sustainable solutions & protect the health of those most vulnerable,” Gore said in a tweet referencing incoming New York Democrat’s plan.
About to bring our 8th annual #24HoursofReality to a close with my strong support for a #GreenNewDeal, which will create jobs, invest in the right sustainable solutions & protect the health of those most vulnerable. https://t.co/prXQ6Ii5sx
— Al Gore (@algore) December 5, 2018
Several Democrats have joined Ocasio-Cortez’s demands for a special “Green New Deal” House committee that, if formed, would push a slew of climate change legislation. Gore’s willingness to support the plan suggests it could be gaining strong influence among her party’s more progressive wing. Environmental groups have also been pressuring lawmakers to jump on board.
Their support does not guarantee the deal will see the light of day. Many of the 15 Democratic lawmakers who signed a No Fossil Fuel Money pledge in 2018 refusing donations from energy companies have their own cash invested in coal and oil. Ditching personal assets was not a requirement for those who signed the pledge.
Democratic Representative-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York arrives for a class photo November 14, 2018. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
Most of the signers kept their promise to reject contributions from fossil fuel executives. Reps. Beto O’Rourke of Texas, Ro Khanna and Barbara Lee of California, as well as Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Dianne Feinstein of California were among those who signed the deal. (RELATED: Green Groups Pressure More Dems To Join Ocasio-Cortez’s Anti-Oil Crusade)
Reports show Lee has stakes in some fossil fuel companies, while Khanna has major financial ties to the oil industry through his wife, Ritu, who has millions of dollars invested in companies such as Chevron Corp. and Exxon Mobil. Khanna acknowledged the investments but said it’s still important for the Democratic National Committee to oppose industry cash.
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