"The earth is the Lord’s, and in Genesis, God entrusts us with caring for Creation. The earth that we leave to future generations is already being changed by climate change, and so far, our nation has done little to stop climate pollution. The Clean Power Plan, just announced by EPA, is a great step forward for our country in taking climate change seriously. This policy will treat carbon the way it should be treated – as a pollutant that’s harming our health and our planet. It will reduce our carbon pollution 30% below 2005 levels by 2030, but will allow each state the flexibility to decide how it reaches that goal. The rule reflects some of the best values we hold dear and will help prevent premature deaths and asthma attacks caused by smog and other air pollutants. But most importantly, it will reduce the pollution that fuels climate change. It’s clear that President Obama cares about the legacy he leaves to today and into future generations. While there is a lot more that can and should be done by this Administration and by Congress, President Obama deserves our appreciation for embracing the common good and taking such a big step to preserve the earth for our grandchildren’s grandchildren."
###