The Green "Real" Deal: Working Together

Former Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz is calling for a plan to counterbalance the Green New Deal according to an exclusive interview yesterday.

Driving the news

Moniz, who was the energy secretary from 2013 to 2017 under President Obama, is delivering a speech today at a U.S. Chamber of Commerce event in D.C. touting energy innovation. In what he’s calling the "Green Real Deal," Moniz says building broad coalitions — including with big business — will be essential to drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the next 30 years.

“We must be pragmatic and push programs that are tough, but achievable. And if we can’t pull together and recognize the needs of a broad coalition, we won’t get there.”

Ernest Moniz, to Axios

Why it matters

Moniz, who now runs the think tank Energy Futures Initiative, is respected by many environmentalists and business leaders alike. His plans could influence people across the political spectrum.

The other side

Backers of the Green New Deal, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and numerous Democratic presidential candidates, blame big business for blocking action and are pushing broad progressive policies that are unlikely to get support from fossil fuel companies or trade groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Between the lines

Moniz said speaking at the Chamber appealed to him because the powerful lobby group, long known for fighting climate-change policies, has “put out some strong statements recently about needing to move beyond the inaction phase.”

• But, Moniz added, he’ll be sending a “very strong message that everybody, including the Chamber and their membership, has to walk the talk.”

One level deeper

Today’s speech is Moniz’s first on this topic since he laid out the broad parameters in a CNBC opinion piece this spring. Some of what he's likely to promote includes...

• A price on carbon dioxide emissions, which Moniz says is “a good thing” but not a panacea. He says it needs to be structured in a way that doesn't hurt the poorest people the most and doesn't replace policies that reduce emissions for certain sectors, especially transportation.
• Support for technologies and fuel sources that are controversial among some Democrats and environmentalists, including natural gas and nuclear power.

What’s next: Moniz will be speaking on this same topic in late September tied to a major UN climate summit in New York.

Editor's Note: We are pleased to provide you selected pieces from Amy Harder at Axios. Illustration by Sarah Grillos. For more perspectives on energy and environment subscribe here. Pink Petro has a policy we do not endorse political candidates or parties, however we are always on the hunt to share insights on energy, equality and environment.