Fossil fuel–fired power plants are the largest single source of
carbon dioxide emissions in the US. They account for a third of the greenhouse
gases that contribute to climate change. Up until now, there have been no rules
to control the amount of carbon pollution released into the atmosphere; carbon
dioxide has not been a regulated air pollutant.
Now, the EPA is proposing a Clean Power Plan to cut carbon
pollution from power plants by 30 percent from 2005 levels, by 2030. The
proposal will also cut pollution that leads to soot and smog by over 25
percent. The Clean Power Plan will give flexibility to states to choose how to
meet their individual goals.
The PEC Advocacy Committee has prepared official comments (hot
link to comments) on the Plan and is asking the EPA to strengthen the rules by
•
Increasing reductions of carbon emissions from power plants by
at least 50%.
•
Requiring at least 80% of our energy from non-fossil fuel
sources by 2050.
•
Maintaining states’ schedules to submit plans by 2020, with no
extensions.
You can submit your own comments online or sign an online letter. The comment period on
the Clean Power Plan is open until December 1.
This action to restrict the amount of carbon that can be
released is a big step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions that are
causing climate change. As Christians who take God’s command to be good
stewards of the earth seriously, supporting this first time ruling is a simple
way to protect God’s Creation and stop the increasing amounts of greenhouse
gases that humans are releasing into the atmosphere.
Holy Creator, creation is too
wonderful, too ancient, too beautiful, and too good to be desecrated, and
yet, our use of fossil fuels tells a different story. Help us align our
words and our actions. Open our hearts to change and our mouths that they
may speak to our government leaders. Open the ears of Administrator McCarthy
that she might hear the roar of millions of voices calling for fast, decisive
action on carbon emissions. Let our love for you be evident in this time
for comment. Amen
amen
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