Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting a public hearing in Chicago to gather feedback on EPA’s proposed details for the Clean Energy Incentive Program (CEIP). Part of the Clean Power Plan, the CEIP is a “matching fund” program that helps states invest early in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that are implemented in disadvantaged communities. It helps states meet their Clean Power Plan goals while encouraging low-income access to clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.
NC Interfaith Power & Light is encouraged by this program. Poor communities are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts, and must be included in climate solutions. And states and communities must move rapidly to cleaner energy if we are to avoid catastrophic climate change.
“As people of faith, we are called to care for Creation and also to serve justice. Global warming is a serious thereat to the future of the planet. And it is the most vulnerable among us – children, the elderly, and low-income Americans – who are disproportionately harmed by carbon pollution. The EPA is doing the right thing by targeting clean energy programs to benefit the people in America who need them most,” said Susan Stephenson, executive director of The Regeneration Project which houses the national Interfaith Power & Light campaign.
NC Interfaith Power & Light is a program of the North Carolina Council of Churches. This role provides access to the Council’s membership of over 6,200 congregations. The North Carolina Council of Churches is comprised of 25 distinct judicatories from 17 denominations with 1.5 million congregants across the state. In 2005, NCIPL became the 16th state affiliate of the national Interfaith Power & Light Campaign. There are now Interfaith Power & Light affiliates in 40 states in over 18,000 congregations.
We are grateful for the EPA’s work today. Now states and utilities must move expeditiously as we race to avoid the worst impacts of global warming.
