National Appeal to Congress to Act on Climate

“Global warming is upon us, and it’s going to get worse and worse and worse unless we do something about it, and that’s why it’s so imperative to pass the two bills [before Congress], the infrastructure bill and the budget reconciliation bill.” So said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Sept. 2, after thirteen people had died in NYC alone from the flooding of Hurricane Ida.

Both the bills he mentioned are important, but the second is much more important in reducing greenhouse gases. The first, or infrastructure, bill would make the nation more resilient against future storms by repairing the nation’s roads, bridges and transit systems. The second, or budget reconciliation, bill would replace coal and gas power plants with wind, solar and nuclear. By promoting electrification wherever possible, it helps stop climate change.

The Riverside Church, and its Beloved Earth Community, is calling on its members and friends, and indeed all concerned people across the nation, to write, call, and tweet their members of Congress, and President Biden, to fight hard for the passage of these two bills. Given the political climate in this country, this is probably the best chance we will have in the next few years to try to stop climate disaster.

The second, or budget reconciliation, bill faces strong Republican opposition, and even questions from a few Democrats. Besides climate, it expands the nation’s social safety net, and its cost is much higher. It is crucial that our Congressional representatives hear from those of us who care deeply about our Earth, the gift given to us to hand on to future generations. Ask them not to weaken the climate provisions.

Click here to download instructions on how to contact your representatives in Congress, your Senators and your Congressperson, as well as President Biden. Urge them to give their full support to the two climate bills pending before Congress. You can use the sample letter provided. Act quickly as a vote is scheduled by September 27. You can follow up your email or tweet with a phone call.

On Sundays, September 12 and 19, Beloved Earth members will hand out flyers making this same appeal. Thank you for the time and love you give to this important cause.

Click here to download instructions on how to contact your representatives.