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Saint Paul council adopts nonbinding Green New Deal resolution after youth testimony
Summary
The City Council unanimously adopted a nonbinding Green New Deal resolution after several young activists from Sunrise Twin Cities testified. Councilmembers praised youth advocates and said the resolution will guide future local climate work and be sent to congressional leaders.
The Saint Paul City Council adopted a nonbinding Green New Deal resolution after testimony from local young activists who urged urgent local action to address the climate crisis.
Item 15, “Resolution 205-424, Advocating for a Green New Deal,” was presented with speakers from Sunrise Twin Cities. Ella, a Ward 3 resident, told the council, “As a young person, I want a future in which my choices are not dictated by the climate crisis and in which I can live safely on this planet.” Jesse, another Sunrise member, described the resolution as “an ambitious vision to transform the US economy with the urgency required to tackle the climate crisis” and said local action should center workers and environmental and racial justice.
Councilmembers praised the youth presenters and emphasized that the resolution is nonbinding but can guide city priorities and future policies. Councilmember Joost moved approval; the council adopted the resolution on a voice vote recorded as “6 in favor, no 1 opposed.” Several councilmembers noted the resolution’s intent to send the adopted text to congressional leaders and to use it to inform local efforts such as the 2050 comprehensive plan and the city’s climate action work.
Context: Speakers thanked local staff and neighborhood offices for involvement during the drafting process. Jesse acknowledged outreach to Wards 3 and 5 staff and “Unito Saint Paul” for input and edits. Councilmembers referenced the Climate Justice Advisory Board and other local planning efforts as contexts where the resolution could influence future policy.
Why it matters: While nonbinding, the resolution signals the council’s policy priorities on climate action, workforce transition and environmental justice and formalizes council support for local measures informed by Green New Deal principles. The degree to which the resolution will translate into concrete programs or budget commitments will depend on subsequent agendas and city staff work plans.
Next steps: The council clerk will send the adopted resolution to the city’s congressional delegation as specified in the resolution language; councilmembers said they expect to use the resolution language in forthcoming local planning efforts.
