Courtesy: Ignatian Solidarity Network
We ask our federal leaders to:
• Accelerate the transition to clean energy to mitigate climate change. To limit global warming to 1.5°C
and avoid the worst impacts of climate change, net CO2 emissions need to be reduced to zero by 2050.
This will require substantial new investments in low-carbon technologies and energy efficiency. Through
these investments and tax incentives to support renewable energy adoption, the electricity sector can
eliminate carbon emissions by 2035, leading to significant public health and job benefits. At the same time,
the U.S. should offer transitional support for communities dependent on fossil fuel jobs and communities
overburdened by fossil fuel pollution through legislation such as the RECLAIM Act.
• Re-enter the Paris climate agreement. The U.S. must re-enter the Paris climate agreement and surpass its
original goal of reducing national emission levels by 28% with the ambitious cuts now needed to keep global
warming below 1.5°C. These efforts must be complemented by support for international climate finance,
such as fulfilling the United States’ initial pledge of $3 billion to the Green Climate Fund. This fund helps poor
communities adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.
• Reinstate regulations to reduce harmful pollution and protect human health. According to a recent report by
the House Energy and Commerce Committee, nearly 100 critical environmental protections have been rolled
The School of Environmental Sustainability
The Ecodome, a 3,100 square foot greenhouse, is used in
sustainable food systems research and urban agriculture
production. (Loyola University Chicago)
“In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea
is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.” — Psalm 95: 4-5
back over the past four years, “threatening the health of our communities,
families and natural environment.” These protections are even more critical
now, as studies have shown a direct link between air pollution and a higher
death rate due to COVID-19. Among the most vulnerable to the deterioration
of our air and water are Environmental Justice communities, children and the
elderly. To reduce harmful pollution and protect human health, we urge the
EPA to:
• Reinstate previous methane regulations and develop emissions
guidelines for existing oil and gas facilities.
• Reinstate the previous Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS).
Reduction of these pollutants will protect human health.
• Repeal the euphemistically-named Affordable Clean Energy (ACE)
rule and replace it with a new rule regulating greenhouse gas
emissions from existing power plants that will achieve net-zero
climate pollution from electricity by 2035.
• Rescind the so-called Safer Affordable Fuel Efficient (SAFE) auto
emissions standards and implement regulations to achieve zero
emissions for 100% of new light- and medium-duty vehicles by 2035.
• Invest in sustainable infrastructure. To improve our quality of life, preserve our environment and create stable
jobs, we need significant investments in sustainable infrastructure. These investments are vital in places that
have historically been underserved and are more vulnerable to natural disaster. Many rural communities
in the Gulf South, for example, lack basic septic infrastructure, causing water contamination and disease.
These sanitation issues are compounded by longer and more destructive hurricane seasons. To build climate
resilience and expand economic opportunity in these regions, the U.S. should:
• Invest in clean air, water, energy, broadband and public transportation infrastructure. These measures
will create new jobs, contribute to achieving net-zero climate pollution and boost the economy
nationwide.
• Increase funding for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and the Clean Water State Revolving
Fund, which provide safe and affordable drinking water to communities.
• Prioritize communities most impacted by environmental injustice. Legislative measures, funding and
programs should prioritize Environmental Justice communities, which are most affected by environmental
harm and often have the least resources to respond. We must create and support structures which allow
communities of color, low-income communities and Tribal and Indigenous communities to participate
meaningfully in government decision-making as our nation builds its climate resilience.
• Restore key provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to ensure the government
conducts proper environmental reviews — with meaningful participation of local communities —
before infrastructure projects like pipelines are approved.
• Strengthen the EPA’s Environmental Justice Small Grants program, the Low Income Home Energy
Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program — which promote energyefficiency and support communities on the frontlines of climate change.
• Pass legislation such as the Environmental Justice for All Act to address the disproportionate adverse
human health and environmental effects of federal laws on Environmental Justice communitie
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