AMERICA/UNITED STATES - Bishops praise Obama's plan to cutt carbon dioxide emissions

Wednesday, 5 August 2015

Miami (Agenzia Fides) - "An important step to protect the health of all, especially of children, the elderly, the poor and vulnerable communities, from pollution and the harmful effects of climate change", said His Exc. Mgr. Thomas Gerard Wenski, Archbishop of Miami (USA) and president of the Committee for Justice and Human Development of the Episcopal Conference of the United States, commenting, in a note sent to Agenzia Fides, President Barack Obama’s administration unveiled plan to reduce pollution.

President Obama’s plan requires major cuts in greenhouse gases from each state by 2030 and outlined his call for a 32 percent reduction of greenhouse gases from 2005 levels. "The Bishops appreciate this important decision in order to mitigate climate change and to protect public health, because it is a meaningful way to assume our responsibility in the care of God's creation", the statement said.

Two months ago, the North American Bishops, had asked in an open letter to Congress, not to hinder the approval of new standards for carbon dioxide emissions, referring to Pope Francis’ Encyclical "Laudato sì" in which the Pope urges "all to take care of creation and of our common home, for the sake of present and future generations".

Even President Obama, in his speech reminded the public that the Holy Father said it is a "moral obligation" to take action to reduce harmful emissions. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 05/08/2015)


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