To: Environment Advocates
From: Tammy Alexander, MCC Washington Office
Date: June 2, 2008

Issue/Background:

This week, the Senate is debating America's Climate Security Act (S.3036), co-sponsored by Senators Lieberman (I), Connecticut and Warner (R), Virginia. The bill is a critical first step toward addressing global climate change. We applaud the efforts of these Senators to find common ground on this critical issue and move forward with consensus legislation to address global climate change.

  We urge the Senate to continue this path and take meaningful and measurable steps to:

• Follow scientific recommendations by reducing carbon emissions 15-20 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050
• Shield vulnerable populations from the disproportionate dangers they will be exposed to as the planet warms and
• Limit the financial burdens placed on those living in poverty and low-income families by spreading costs of changing our energy habits fairly and sustainably.

  The current legislation includes initial forms of these provisions and it is our hope they will be strengthened as this process moves forward.

Faith Reflection:

Scripture teaches that we are called to be stewards of the Earth and to speak of justice for all, especially our neighbors who are voiceless and vulnerable. It is important that we encourage our elected officials to remember these tenets as they vote on America's Climate Security Act.

Action:

Join with people of faith from around the U.S. to advocate for strong emissions reductions and justice for people in poverty and those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Email, fax, or call your Senators today (http://www.senate.gov/reference/common/faq/How_to_contact_senators.htm).

Sample Letter:

I understand the Senate will soon debate climate change legislation. As a person of faith, this issue is very important to me. Scripture teaches me that we are called to be stewards of the Earth and to work for justice for all, especially our neighbors who are voiceless and vulnerable. I hope you too will remember these tenets as you vote on America's Climate Security Act.

  Climate Change legislation must follow scientific recommendations and focus on the short-term goal of reducing U.S. carbon emissions by 15-20 percent by 2020 with a long-term vision to achieve carbon emissions reductions of 80 percent by 2050.

  I am also concerned about justice for people living in poverty in the U.S. and abroad. I urge you to make sure this legislation includes international adaptation assistance for developing countries as they disproportionately deal with the impacts of global warming. In the U.S. the costs of changing our energy habits should be shared fairly. Financial burdens should not be placed on those living in poverty and low-income families.

Go to www3.capwiz.com/c-span/dbq/officials for your member’s contact information.

Visits, e-mails, phone calls, faxes and letters are all good ways to contact your legislators. E-mails, phone calls and faxes are good for time-sensitive issues. Postal mail travels slowly in the Capitol, but letters have long-term impact. Be sure to include your mailing address in all correspondence to confirm your residency in a particular district and state.

We would be grateful for copies of your correspondence and any responses you receive! Please send them to