Congressman Hern tells House Democrats their Green New Deal would be “devastating” to Oklahoma

Oklahoma Republican congressman Kevin Hern made it clear to Democrats on Tuesday, their Green New Deal would be “devastating” to Oklahoma.

During a House Budget Committee hearing in which costs of climate change were explored, the Tulsa U.S. Representative said the Deal would put thousands out of work in Oklahoma and other energy-producing states.
“It seems as though some Democrats are listening to radical environmental activists instead of working and seeking new jobs in their districts and (helping) consumers to lower their energy bills,” said Hern during his opportunity to question a witness.
Hern pointed out to committee members that the oil and gas industry employs hundreds of thousands of people in Oklahoma and generates more than $50 billion annually.
“Under the toxic green new deal, we would lose those jobs and the important impact those companies have on my state. While my friends on the other side of the aisle are so focused on advancing some of the most extreme proposals in Washington, they are unfortunately ignoring the demand for jobs in their own states.”
During his questioning of Oren Cass, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, Hern asked if there would be job losses with the Green New Deal.
“Yes,” answered Cass.
“Were the Green New Deal to be implemented, Oklahoma’s economy would be devastated. It’s simple, the Green New Deal is bad for Oklahoma and bad for America,” stated Hern.

in Oklahoma and generates more than $50 billion annually. It’s the largest source of tax revenue for the state government, contributing more than $2 billion in taxes, much of which goes directly to education and infrastructure.

Were the Green New Deal to be implemented, Oklahoma’s economy would be devastated. It’s simple, the Green New Deal is bad for Oklahoma and bad for America.

Kentucky Rep. John Yarmuth, the Democrat who chairs the House Budget Committee said the hearing was held “covering a topic that we cannot afford to ignore.”

He called it a hearing on the future of the country

” Americans are already feeling the effects of climate change. Homes have been blown away in hurricanes that are increasing in intensity or lost to wildfires that are spreading farther and taking longer to extinguish. Our farmers have endured prolonged droughts, while some states have experienced historic flooding,” said Yarmuth in his opening statement.

Click here to view comments by Rep. Hern.