How Would It Affect You As A Homeowner
If you have been listening to the news the past few years, then chances are you have heard of The Green New Deal. The Green New Deal (GND) is a congressional resolution that lays out a plan for tackling climate change. Its goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to avoid the worst consequences of climate change.
What Does The Research Say?
Two major reports were issued in 2018 from the United Nations and by federal scientists. These reports warned that if global temperatures continue to rise, the world would be headed for increased and intense heat waves, wildfires, and droughts. The U.N. says that we have about 10 years to avert climate change, otherwise we will push Mother Earth to her limit. The research also showed that The United States could lose billions of dollars by the end of the century because of climate change.
In 2017, record storms, floods, and wildfires in the U.S. cost an estimated $306 billion in damages. In 2018, NOAA reported that 14 weather disasters cost the nation at least $1 billion each and killed more than 247 people. The total price tag for the nation’s economy was nearly $100 billion.
What’s The Goal?
The main goal of the plan is to bring U.S. greenhouse gas emissions down to net-zero and meet 100% of power demand in the country through clean, renewable, and zero-emission energy sources by 2030. The Green New Deal also calls for the creation of millions of jobs, and to provide all Americans with access to nature, clean air and water, healthy food, and a sustainable environment.
The Major Points of The Green New Deal
- Shift 100% of national power generation to renewable sources
- Build a national energy efficient “smart” grid
- Upgrade all buildings to become energy efficient
- Decarbonize manufacturing and agricultural industries
- Decarbonate, repair, and upgrade the nation’s infrastructure, especially transportation
- Fund massive investment in the drawdown and capture of greenhouse gases
- Provide investments and funding to help communities affected by climate change
- Repair and upgrade existing infrastructure to withstand extreme weather
- Invest in renewable power sources
- Invest in manufacturing and industry to spur growth in the use of clean energy
- Support family farming, investing in sustainable farming, and building a more sustainable and equitable food system
- Invest in transportation systems, namely zero-emission vehicle infrastructure and manufacturing, public transit, and high-speed rail
- Restore ecosystems through land preservation and afforestation
- Clean up existing hazardous waste and abandoned sites
- Identify unknown sources of pollution and emissions
- Work with the international community on solutions and helping them achieve Green New Deals
A Green New Home?
The Green New Deal will affect homeowners, some more than others. People who already own a home will not be required to make changes to their existing home. However, the government may offer tax incentives to update homes to make them more energy efficient. Homeowners would receive incentives to weatherize homes by replacing energy-inefficient windows, doors, and insulation. For those who are building a new home or doing a remodel, they may be more affected by the GND. There are likely to be new building codes and requirements to make them more energy efficient. They may discover that building costs have increased due to new regulations.
GND Pros
- More energy efficient homes
- Reduce electricity bills
- Low maintenance costs
- Improve quality of life
- Tax incentives for homeowners going “Green”
- U.S. will save money on natural disaster relief
- Creation of new jobs
GND Cons
- Costly
- 10 year time scale is too ambitious
- Requirement of 100% conversion to renewable energy sources is a lofty goal
What does that mean for Solar Power?
Solar Power may be one of the first ways homeowners decide to upgrade their home to go green! There are many benefits of solar panels, the most important thing is that solar energy is a truly renewable energy source. It can be used all around the world and is available every day. Unlike other sources of energy, we cannot run out of solar energy. Solar energy will be accessible as long as we have the sun, which according to scientists, will be for at least 5 billion more years!
Homeowners don’t have to wait until a Green New Deal is passed to start receiving tax incentives. Currently, there is already a tax incentive for purchasing solar panel systems for your home. Homeowners who purchase solar panel systems in 2021 will receive a 26% tax credit!
For More Information
At NC SOLAR NOW, we are North Carolina’s Most Trusted solar panel installer and embrace the philosophy that solar is for everyone! We’ll be by your side from your first free virtual consult through our warranty period and beyond. Check us out on Facebook or Instagram. Visit us online at NC SOLAR NOW, send us a message, or call us at 919-833-9096.
