Green New Deal litmus test makes it harder to deal with climate change

Politicians, journalists, celebrities and left-wing activists are touting the Green New Deal as humanity’s last chance to save the planet. And while the plan is quickly becoming a litmus test for Democratic presidential candidates, it does not mean it is a serious policy proposal.

In fact, the Green New Deal includes proposals that have nothing to do with Earth’s climate or environment. Progressive elites and "democratic socialists view the plan as a grab bag of their radical agenda to transform America into the kind of socialist utopia that only exists in fiction. Free health care? Check. Free college? Check. Free child care? Check. Free paycheck? Check.

It appears the effort to “save the planet from melting” is really just a cynical publicity stunt by people who think America is a planet. Reality check: America is not a planet, and countries like China would happily watch us jump over the cliff by destroying our economy with the Green New Deal.

Here is the truth: While Earth’s climate is changing, there is no credible scenario that will lead to the destruction — or salvation — of the planet within 10 to 12 years, as some Green New Deal proponents allege. Also true: Communities and local businesses in my home state of Florida are already dealing with the very real impacts of rising sea levels, and yet, the Green New Deal will do nothing to address that reality. Thankfully, there are realistic proposals that will make longer-term climate challenges much easier to deal with.

The South Atlantic Coastal Study is one example. SACS is a comprehensive, multiyear U.S. Army Corps of Engineers report that will create a practical blueprint of specific projects and strategies for states and localities, from North Carolina to Florida to Mississippi, to improve coastal resilience and mitigation with the help of the federal government.