COEJL and The RAC (Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism) are joining together to demonstrate the Jewish community’s support for our nation’s first-ever proposed limits on carbon emissions from new power plants. The proposed Carbon Pollution Standard for New Power Plants will prevent any new power plant from emitting more than 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per megawatt of electricity produced. With conventional coal plants currently emitting more than 1,800 pounds of carbon dioxide per megawatt, pollution controls setting higher technology standards are long overdue.
Carbon dioxide is a threat to the health and well-being of communities around the US, leading to increased levels of asthma, increased ozone levels and more frequent and severe heat waves. These impacts have been shown to have a disproportionate impact on communities of color, youth, the elderly and those living in poverty despite the fact that these communities are least responsible for the increased level of carbon dioxide emissions as they use less energy and electricity than others. These standards represent an important shift in support from coal and other fossil fuels that pose serious environmental and health risks – especially to our nation’s poorest communities – and will spur innovation in green technologies, creating new jobs and strengthening our economy.
Despite these benefits, some Members of Congress have sought to override or block the rule’s implementation. Now is the time to show support for limits on carbon pollution and speak out for climate justice.
As Jews we are called from the earliest verses of Torah to be good stewards of our resources, including our climate, water and air, and to protect our health and our natural world. In Midrash we are told “Take care, lest you spoil and destroy my world, because if you do, there is no one after you to make it right again” (Kohelet Rabbah 7:13).
Tell EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson that you support the EPA Carbon Pollution Standard and the agency’s efforts to reduce carbon pollution and develop climate change policy. The public comment period is only open until June 25! Submit your comment to the EPA.