During this week’s City Council meeting, the Boston City Council showed support for the federal Green New Deal in a resolution.
“The climate crisis is here now. We see it in Boston every single year,” said City Councilor Michelle Wu. “We are working on it as much as we can at the city level, but we know this window is shrinking.”
The resolution was adopted in a 9 to 3 vote. The councilors who voted against it were Althea Garrison, Frank Baker, and Mark Ciommo.
“As much as we do locally, at some point the federal government has to wake up,” said Wu.
The Green New Deal was proposed by Sen. Edward Markey and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. It calls for eliminating carbon emissions, as well as creating healthy infrastructure and jobs that would lead to a greener planet.
“I want to make sure that we’re doing our part to lend our voices to on this issue,” added Wu.
However, not everyone agreed with Wu.
“Stop the green. Cut the prescription drugs for elderly,” said Garrison about her disapproval of the resolution. She said she heard this phrase on the radio, but did not further explain it.
“That is the reason I cannot support this legislation,” she said. Garrison was the only councilor to voice their disapproval.
Councilor Lydia Edwards expressed how Washington moves ahead on this issue impacts cities like Boston greatly.
“While this may be a federal conversation, locally we will feel the impact of their indecision or inaction,” she said. “We need to make sure we are planning an economy and a future that is green.”
She also said that it’s the city’s responsibility to raise their voice on important issues like this.
“If we do not push locally, we are not making ourselves aware and hiding our heads in the sand,” she added.
She didn’t agree with Garrison’s opinion on the matter.
“Cutting prescription prices is important, but I don’t think the two are in conflict,” she said. “Seniors need a greener planet as well.”
Councilor Kim Janey agreed with Edwards.
“It is important that we, as a city, lead on these issues,” she said. “We are destroying our planet. We have to act with urgency.”
I can see it now. Outlaw gas and diesel burning cars in Boston which will alieviate the parking issues. Shut down Logan Airport. My guess is you see some more bicycle lanes and we can call it good.