Reducing Carbon Pollution

The new regulations recently established by the Environmental Protection Agency to address climate change and reduce carbon pollution are the subject of much discussion. In a letter to Gina McCarthy at the EPA,  May 29, 2014,  Archbishop Thomas Wenski, representing the US Conference of Catholic Bishops,  applied the following social justice principles to this crucial issue:
“As the EPA takes steps to address climate change and reduce carbon pollution, we ask you to be guided by the following principles taken from our statement and the teaching of Pope Francis:

•  Respect for Human Life and Dignity. The regulations and all efforts to reduce the impact of climate change should respect human life and dignity, especially that of the poorest and most vulnerable: from children in the womb to the elderly. In particular, these measures must protect poor and vulnerable communities and persons from the health impacts of climate change, including exposure to climate-sensitive diseases, heat waves and diminished air quality.
•  Prudence on Behalf of the Common Good. We believe that wise action to address climate change is required now to protect the common good for present and future generations.
•  Priority for the Poor and Vulnerable. The consequences of climate change will be borne by the world’s most vulnerable people; inaction will worsen their suffering.
•  Social and Economic Justice. Workers should be protected from negative effects on the workforce resulting from the new standards and should receive assistance to mitigate impacts on their livelihoods and families. Any additional costs that such standards may generate must be distributed fairly, without undue burden on the poor.
• Care for Creation.  We are called to be responsible stewards of the earth and to use the gifts we have been given to protect human life and dignity, now and in the future.
•  Participation. Local communities should have a voice in shaping these standards based on their local impact, especially low-income communities whose voice is often not heard. It is in accord with their dignity that they participate in this process.

We appreciate your commitment to address this urgent global challenge confronting the human family. The USCCB stands ready to work with you, the Administration, and members of Congress to ensure that measures necessary to address climate change both care for creation and protect “the least of these.”