Support THRIVE

Parkersburg News and Sentinel

Apr 17, 2021

By Giulia Mannarino

On Sept. 10, 2020 the THRIVE Resolution was introduced in Congress by Democrats. This resolution simultaneously tackles three separate but inextricably intertwined crisis: pandemic recovery, climate change and systemic social injustice.

Over 100 members of Congress as well as the Green New Deal Coalition made up of hundreds of grass roots groups from across the country, including local Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action, signed on to support this commitment for a just transition into a sustainable economy that works for everyone.

The THRIVE agenda contains eight “pillars” that not only help our country recover but also: Transform, Heal and Renew by Investing in a Vibrant Economy. These solutions respond to the needs of all Americans and can be reviewed in more detail at thriveagenda.com.

According to estimates by economists at University of Massachusetts Amherst, this economic renewal plan will create almost 16 million jobs over the next decade. This includes: 5+million to replace lead pipes, build clean public transit, fix our infrastructure; 4+million to protect wetlands/ forests, invest in sustainable family farms; 4+million to expand access to wind and solar, electric vehicles, healthy buildings; 2+million for child care and elder care.

These jobs will support strong labor standards by providing family-sustaining wages, health benefits and access to unions. Also, to counteract racial, economic and environmental injustices, at least 50 percent of the investments must be made to the impacted “frontline” communities, those that have suffered disproportionately. The eight page THRIVE Resolution addresses pollution from fossil fuels and manufacturing as well as repairing government relationships with sovereign Native Nations.

It includes a goal of running the U.S. power sector on only carbon pollution-free energy by 2035. The THRIVE agenda, however, is not a piece of enacted federal legislation. A resolution is a type of action that promotes specific policies and outlines guidelines for future legislation, for example, the recently passed American Rescue Plan.

The projected costs of this plan exceed those of our World War II mobilization but inaction/lesser response would be more costly in the long run. The U.S. economy could lose billions of dollars in both damages and health costs by the end of the century due to the impacts of climate change on communities. Hopefully, our new “normal” will foster justice, provide good jobs and promote a livable climate.

Please contact your Congressional representatives and encourage their support of this agenda.