Environmental advocates took over a Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego, local office Thursday hoping to get more support for the Green New Deal.
“Scott Peters needs to sign the pledge,” chanted protester Peter Sloane who held a megaphone to his mouth. “Scott Peters needs to co-sign the Green New Deal — HR 109.”
The protest began in the courtyard of the La Jolla building that houses the congressman’s office.
After a short time, the protesters occupied Peters’ office.
“Scott Peters, step up or step aside,” the activists chanted.
The Green New Deal is a sweeping policy initiative that attempts to curb carbon emissions and overhaul the way the nation’s economy works.
Protesters hope their acts of civil disobedience will raise the alarm about climate change.
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“We’re in a planetary emergency,” Sloane said. “And the science has been known for decades but our political leaders just aren’t acting on it. And it's time for them to really step up or step aside.”
In an Aug. 21, 2019 interview with KPBS, Peters said he did not agree with the Green New Deal because it's too broad and doesn’t contain any actual legislation.
“I don’t think it’s bold and I don’t think it's action,” Peters said. “I totally support the enthusiasm that it’s brought. I’m really happy to see that voters appear to be interested in what I’ve been interested in for 20 years which is climate action. And they’re taking votes based on that. But the Green New Deal is not bold in that it doesn’t bring anyone else in.”
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Peters does not support the inclusion of free education or guaranteed jobs proposals in a climate action measure. He argued those items should be debated separately.
Climate advocates will not stop trying to change his mind.
“We will continue to try and convince Scott Peters and our other elected officials that we really need bold comprehensive action on climate change,” said Masada Disenhouse, the executive director of San Diego 350.
The protest ended without any arrests even though almost a dozen people said they were prepared to go to jail.
