FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2018
Reform Jewish Movement Opposes Effort to Undercut Fight Against Climate Change
WASHINGTON – In response to the Trump administration’s announcement of the Affordable Clean Energy Rule, which would undercut the fight against climate change by replacing the landmark Clean Power Plan, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, released the following statement on behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and the wider Reform Movement:
"We are extremely disappointed in the Trump administration’s proposal of the so-called 'Affordable Clean Energy Rule,' which would further abdicate American leadership in the fight against climate change. The proposal abandons the Clean Power Plan regulations that were carefully crafted to give states flexibility while ensuring major cuts to America’s carbon emissions. The new rule instead relaxes standards and undercuts the ability to decrease carbon emissions. The detrimental impact on air quality, public health, and clean energy investment will be felt for generations to come. We will fight all efforts to implement this damaging proposal.
"Our position is grounded in Jewish values. We are taught that we must act as environmental stewards and partners with God in tilling and tending the earth, as humankind was commanded in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15). This proposed rule would undermine this sacred obligation. We will not relent in our commitment to fulfill this commandment and actions to pursue a greener and more sustainable world."
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The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism is the Washington office of the Union for Reform Judaism, whose more than 900 congregations across North America encompass 1.5 million Reform Jews, and the Central Conference of American Rabbis, whose membership includes more than 2,000 Reform rabbis. Visit www.rac.org for more.
