U.S. Climate Regulations Rollbacks: A Call to Action

“The Glory of God is all creation fully alive.” — St. Irenaeus

What are we to do when the very life of this planet, and therefore all creation, is at risk of being harmed, destroyed, and, for some, extinguished? Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator declared “(March 12) is the greatest day of deregulation our nation has seen. We are driving a dagger straight into the heart of the climate change religion…” The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is absolutely not living up to its name. Yes, the amazing progress we have made in supporting creation, enlivening the health and well-being of all is at risk of being negated in order to “unleash American energy, lower the cost of living, and revitalize the American auto industry.”

While regrettable, we are even more concerned with another aspect of this deregulation. Mr. Zeldin has made it clear that he wants to revise the conclusion that greenhouse gases endanger public health. Back in 2009 the EPA offered scientific proof that greenhouse gases were, in fact, causing global warming and thus endangering public health.  Again, what are we to do?

Pope Francis, in Laudate Deum (13) helps us stay the course to not be swayed away from solid scientific reasoning:

It is not possible to conceal the correlation of these global climate phenomena and the accelerated increase in greenhouse gas emissions, particularly since the mid-twentieth century. The overwhelming majority of scientists specializing in the climate support this correlation, and only a very small percentage of them seek to deny the evidence. Regrettably, the climate crisis is not exactly a matter that interests the great economic powers, whose concern is with the greatest profit possible at minimal cost and in the shortest amount of time.

Express Opposition

The poorest and most vulnerable are disproportionately affected by climate change. As people of faith, we have an obligation to use our moral voice in support of the common good. Thankfully, numerous organizations are focused on efforts to support a thriving planet and thus the well-being of all creation. For the sake of brevity, we offer suggestions for action from only two such partners.

350.org, invites all concerned to write a letter to Mr. Zeldin expressing opposition to the rollback of climate regulations. Click here to send your letter. Catholic Climate Covenant’s initiative We’re All Part of God’s Plan(et) invites us, especially Catholics, to write our Governor in support of urgent action addressing the climate crisis.

And so, we call on all people of good will to speak up for all creation and to engage elected and appointed officials in advocating for just and reasonable climate regulations.

Will you join us?