Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Faith Leaders Meet EPA Administrator McCarthy


For more information contact:
Tricia Bruckbauer, Creation Justice Ministries (253) 592-5534

(see below for photographs)








Faith Communities Meet with EPA Administrator McCarthy
Deliver thousands of comments in support of the Clean Power Plan

Washington, D.C. Representatives from 17 religious organizations met with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy Tuesday afternoon to highlight the support and work of the faith community on the rules to regulate carbon emissions from power plants.  Those gathered represented the U.S. Baha’i Office of Public Affairs, Church of the Brethren, Church World Service, the Coalition On the Environment and Jewish Life, the Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Friends Committee on National Legislation, Interfaith Power & Light, the Islamic Society of North America, Maryknoll Office of Global Concerns, the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism, Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus, Sojourners, the United Methodist Church, the National Religious Partnership for the Environment, and Creation Justice Ministries.

Over the last year, the faith community has been involved in advocacy efforts to influence and support the Clean Power Plan. Many religious leaders testified at EPA hearings across the country on behalf of their communions.  People of faith also gathered outside of the EPA headquarters twice to bless the hearings and those offering public comments.  Many of the groups collected grassroots comments totaling in the thousands.

There is a call in most of the world’s religions to care for the Earth and for our fellow man.
Many communions represented in the meeting got involved with the EPA’s carbon rules because of a desire to address climate change and work toward cleaner air.

"The diversity of faith communities actively advocating for the Clean Power Plan is both broad and strong,stated Rev. Stacy Martin, Director of National Policy and Advocacy for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  While we sometimes come at the issues of climate change and clean air from different religious purviews, we share a common moral call to care for the planet in order to serve our most vulnerable neighbors, and future generations."


“Many in the Christian community are excited and hopeful about the Clean Power Plan,” offered Tricia Bruckbauer, Program Director for Creation Justice Ministries. “We view clean air as a gift from God, and advocate for the right of all God’s people to breath freely.  This plan to regulate carbon emissions is a step in the right direction.”

Upon finalization of the national rule, religious communities will look to the States to aid in the State Implementation Plan processes and ensure values of justice and equity are included in the different plans.  The public comment period for the Clean Power Plan is open until December 1st.

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Creation Justice Ministries is an ecumenical organization representing 38 Christian denominations and their policies related to the environment.


Meeting Begins by Sharing Faith Commitment to Creation Care
Photo Credit: Eric Vance, EPA Photographer

OPW Director J. Herbert Nelson tell Administrator McCarthy
about PC(USA) concern around carbon pollution and climate change
Photo Credit: Eric Vance, EPA Photographer

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy speaks eloquently about her
own concern for carbon pollution
Photo Credit: Eric Vance, EPA Photographer

The Assembled Faith Leaders' Delegation with Administrator McCarthy
Photo Credit: Eric Vance, EPA Administrator