Hope for Our Future: The EPA Clean Power Plan

More than 40% of carbon pollution comes from power plants. Yet incredibly, there are currently no limits on greenhouse gas emissions from these plants. But now, the EPA has proposed first-ever standards for carbon pollution from the nation’s existing power plants. This proposal will limit emissions from power plants by 30% by 2030, compared with 2005 levels.

Make your voice heard before the comment period ends on December 1, and tell the EPA to move forward with strong carbon standards for power plants.

There is a limited time that the EPA will be accepting comments on these safeguards. Please urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to move forward with the proposed standards for existing power plants so that we can reduce carbon pollution as quickly as possible to address climate change, protect human health, and care for all of Creation.

According to the EPA, reducing CO2 (or carbon) emissions from coal-burning energy plants is vital for improving overall air quality because, as the EPA puts it, “Power plants are the largest individual sources of carbon pollution in the United States…” Limiting CO2 emissions is important because mounting evidence links increased CO2 levels to the destructive effects of climate change and a number of health-related threats (asthma, heart disease, and other respiratory complications to name a few).

Given these dangers, the moral dimensions of today’s energy choices are apparent. Decisions made today will affect future generations, the health and wellbeing of other species, and life on this planet as a whole.

Drawing inspiration from differing sacred traditions, our faiths share common themes of responsible stewardship, compassion for the defenseless, and voluntary restraint from excessive consumption. Along with these, our faiths support the pursuit of justice, respect for the dignity of others, and a sense of shared responsibility within our communities. All of these come into play when considering the caustic potential of unchecked emission limits.

NCIPL is recommending that all congregations encourage their members to submit a comment in support of the proposed carbon standards for existing power plants, and to encourage the EPA to adopt a strong rule that increases the role of renewable energy and efficiency in our power mix.

Grounded in the teachings of our various traditions, we recognize the need to make ecologically prudent choices for the protection of all, even when this means sacrificing what may come easiest or cheapest. If you agree, please voice your support to the EPA.

To view fact sheets, videos, and additional info published by the EPA, click here.

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