Applause from Reform Movement for President's Commitment to Addressing Climate Change

 Saperstein: "Though we are disappointed that Congress has proven unable to pass common sense climate legislation, if the plans laid out today by President Obama are implemented, they promise to advance U.S. efforts to address the climate crisis that threatens people and communities around the world."

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June 25, 2013, Washington D.C. - In response to President Obama's speech announcing more aggressive executive action to combat climate change, Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:

"We welcome the President's renewed commitment to using executive powers to combat climate change. Though we are disappointed that Congress has proven unable to pass common sense climate legislation, if the plans laid out today by President Obama are implemented, they promise to advance U.S. efforts to address the climate crisis that threatens people and communities around the world.

 

President Obama's proposal includes limits on carbon pollution from existing power plants, the completion of overdue emissions standards for new power plants, support for energy efficiency programs, and implementation of strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change. Such programs will help ensure those least responsible for climate change and who remain most vulnerable to its effects are assisted with lessening its impact.

 

The escalating effects of climate change cannot be ignored. From devastating hurricanes to the spate of destructive tornados, from floods to record heat waves, human activity is negatively impacting the climate. Yet changes to human activity can halt this effect, and today's plan outlined by the President puts us on the right path. We look forward to learning more details in the coming weeks and months and call on Congress to work with the President to protect our planet and ourselves."