Special Action Alert from Presbyterians for Earth Care
Urgent: Keep America’s Clean Energy Tax Credits - Letters to Legislators
As people of faith, we are called to care for God's amazing creation (Genesis 2:15), and for more than 50 years, the PC(USA) has advocated for environmental stewardship.
More recently, the 222nd General Assembly (2016), recognizing the inherent connection and interdependence of all life, the biblically grounded vocation of humanity as tillers and keepers of the earth, and the existential crisis of human-caused climate change, amended our church’s Book of Order G-1.0304 section titled “The Ministry of Members” to add “caring for God’s creation” to the list of expectations of all members of the PCUSA.
The 225th General Assembly (2022) underscored the urgency of our current situation:
“At this point in history, we face the existential threat of climate change destroying God’s Creation and the future of humanity and living creatures on this planet. Already more vulnerable communities of color and the poor are experiencing profound effects…
Now is the time to act with concrete and measurable actions as a church and as disciples.”
And it challenges us all to drastically reduce our emissions—to be faithful leaders in reducing the pollution that is destroying our shared home.
Clean energy tax credits help the climate, people, and businesses.
Climate: The Clean energy tax credits that Congress passed in 2022 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which have garnered significant bi-partisan support, have been a transformative tool in supporting the transition to clean energy, putting the US on track to reduce our carbon pollution 40% by 2030.
People: The IRA also lowers energy costs, making it more affordable for Americans to electrify their homes and transportation. One estimation finds that repealing the clean energy tax credits would lead to an increase of 10% higher electricity rates.
Businesses: Since the law’s passage, America’s businesses have jumped at the new opportunity to build clean energy. Billions of dollars in investments for things like solar manufacturing and battery storage plants have poured into districts across the country. Check out this database of projects at cclusa.org/defend-IRA-data.
Despite all of these benefits, the clean energy tax credits could be on the chopping block as Republicans work toward a budget reconciliation bill. Let’s make sure lawmakers know: Clean energy tax credits are driving jobs, investment, and pollution cuts across the country.
America is moving forward to a clean energy economy. The Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill should reflect that by keeping America’s clean energy tax credits in place.
The Call to Action
We suggest that members of congregational earth care teams write letters to members of Congress either as a committee or by making letters available during coffee hour for the general membership to participate. You can use the templates below to write customized letters that fit your community and Congressional district.
With gratitude and hope for a safe, just, and sustainable future,
Presbyterians for Earth Care
Editable message to Members of Congress
You can use these as a starting point, but customize—it will be more effective! Include your reasons for why this is important to you. Give personal examples of how you, your church, or your community is benefitting. Sign using your name and full mailing address.
For Republican Offices:
Thank you for your service in Congress. I'm a constituent, and I'm writing to urge you to preserve clean energy tax credits as you and your colleagues work on budget reconciliation.
Clean energy tax credits have spurred private investment, driven innovation, and created well-paying jobs across the country, particularly with Republican districts and states being top recipients of IRA projects and dollars.
Congress should protect these provisions to sustain momentum in America's clean energy leadership.
For Democratic Offices:
Thank you for your service in Congress. I'm a constituent, and I'm writing to urge you to work with your Republican colleagues to preserve clean energy tax credits.
Clean energy tax credits have spurred private investment, driven innovation, and created well-paying jobs across the country, particularly in Republican districts and states. These tax credits also lead to lower energy costs, making it more affordable for Americans to electrify their homes and transportation. And supporting the transition to clean energy reduces the pollution that is so devastating, particularly in frontline communities.
Congress should protect these provisions to sustain momentum in America's clean energy leadership.
Note: The House Way and Means Committee is starting to talk about the clean energy tax credits, so the next two weeks are important. CCL is arranging lobby meetings with key Republican members of the committee.
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