Let EPA Know You Support the Clean Energy Incentive Program

From Faith in Place (Illinois Interfaith Power and Light):

As the policy director of Faith in Place, the Illinois affiliate of Interfaith Power & Light, I’ve seen how the fossil fuel industry harms the people of Illinois. From high rates of asthma, cancer, and heart disease in communities near coal-fired power plants to the flooding, heatwaves, and wildfires affecting people from Louisiana to California, it’s clear that the health and safety of all people are jeopardized by our continued dependence on dirty fossil fuels.

That’s why I’m asking you to support Clean Energy Justice at http://salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/50836/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=19498.

At a packed EPA hearing in Chicago this month, I joined with dozens of other clergy and people of faith to call on the EPA to strengthen its plan for clean energy, and to expand renewable energy and energy efficiency in economically challenged communities. But we need your help to amplify our efforts.

The EPA is accepting public comments on their proposed Clean Energy Incentive Program (CEIP). Part of the Clean Power Plan, the CEIP is a “matching fund” program that helps states invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that are implemented in disadvantaged communities. It helps states meet their Clean Power Plan goals while encouraging access to clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.

Let the EPA know you support this program. Click here to send an email to them today.

Economically challenged communities are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts, and must be prioritized in discussions for climate solutions.

As people of faith, we are called to care for the Earth and also to work for environmental justice.

Here in Illinois, our Interfaith Power & Light affiliate works in many of the communities most impacted by pollution from power plants. In Chicago we are seeing the human face of power plant pollution, from asthma to cancer to heart disease. We have a moral obligation to prioritize the benefits of the Clean Power Plan to these communities first.

And we know there is no time to waste if we want to avoid the worst impacts of global warming.

The faith voice needs to be heard: Please join me in urging the EPA to swiftly adopt the CEIP and expand renewable energy – starting with the communities that need it most.