The CoolTexas Interfaith Campaign is currently accepting endorsements of a statement calling on Texas policymakers to take concrete action on clean power and clean air.

Texas religious leaders urge our elected officials to support legislation that would promote renewable energy sources such as wind power in Texas and nationally, and legislation that would set enforceable reduction targets for state and national greenhouse gas emissions.

Now is an important time to speak out on these issues.

• Congress will soon vote on two energy-related bills. The Clean Power Act would reduce emissions from power plants, and the federal energy bill could include several provisions that would reduce Texas' emissions and build up our renewable energy industry. Texas has five congressmen on the conference committee for the energy bill, and they've indicated willingness to advocate for provisions that will benefit Texas&emdash;if we let them know it's important to their constituents. Our senators will be voting on the Clean Power Act, and they need to know that Texans are sick of power plant pollution.
• Texas is facing an important election in November that will determine state government's priorities for years to come. So far, virtually all the candidates for statewide office have been as silent as possible on environmental issues. That's too bad, because environmental issues have never been more important in our state. Candidates need to know that Texas voters want a firm commitment to smart, progressive environmental policies that will save lives, create jobs, and protect our big sky.

As you know, Texas Impact's CoolTexas Interfaith Campaign has been working for two years to educate congregations about global warming and energy issues. In particular, we supported the work of the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission as they drafted their "state global warming plan." We were deeply disappointed when the agency failed to recommend any meaningful strategies to reduce global warming emissions in Texas. Texas leads the nation in these emissions, they are the same emissions that make our children sick, and we have in our own state some of the world's best resources for reducing them.

It's time for Texas elected officials to get serious about cleaning up our air. Our congressional representatives must support federal laws that reduce emissions all over the U.S. Our Legislature must pass state legislation setting real emissions reduction targets.

COOLTEXAS INTERFAITH CALL FOR CLEAN POWER AND CLEAN AIR

Faith in Action: Op-eds, letters, and articles by Texas religious leaders and others of faith

Reports and fact sheets on clean power and clean air