Letter
Letter to Congress on Climate Solutions Commission Act of 2017, September 15, 2017
Representative John K. Delaney
1632 Longworth House Office Building
Washington DC 20515
Representative John J. Faso
1616 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representatives Delaney and Faso:
As the respective chairmen of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development and Committee on International Justice and Peace, we write in support of the Climate Solutions Commission Act of 2017 (H.R. 2326). This legislation is an important bipartisan step for protecting the environment and mitigating the harmful effects of climate change.
This bill has the potential to inspire positive and concrete solutions towards protecting our common home. The Climate Solutions Commission Act is one way to fulfill what Pope Francis has identified as an "urgent need to develop policies so that, in the next few years, the emission of carbon dioxide and other highly polluting gases can be drastically reduced" (Laudato Si', no. 26).
The Catholic Church has consistently spoken about the importance of pursuing environmental solutions that are beneficial to all people. Bipartisan and economically viable environmental proposals are urgently needed. The Climate Solutions Commission should seek solutions that take into account all aspects of human livelihood. The Church calls for courageous actions and strategies aimed at promoting an integral ecology that considers together the protection of nature, the need for equitable economic development and the promotion of human dignity, especially that of the poor.
In his speech to the U.S. Congress, Pope Francis said that we must "avert the most serious effects of the environmental deterioration caused by human activity. I am convinced that we can make a difference and I have no doubt that the United States – and this Congress – have an important role to play." Thank you for your leadership and for continuing to build bridges for a better future both for our nation and our world.
Sincerely yours,
Most Reverend Oscar Cantú
Bishop of Las Cruces
Chair, Committee on International Justice and Peace
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Most Reverend Frank J. Dewane
Bishop of Venice
Chair, Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops