Ecominds-a Mailing List: Exciting! We testified to EPA in D.C. today!!

[Ralph Wyman (rwmuusja]

Dear All:

As agreed, Bill Crowley and I delivered testimony (written by Bob Geiger) on
behalf of all UU State-wide Networks supporting EPA's proposed finding that
greenhouse gases can be regulated under the Clean Air Act.  Most speakers
that I heard were also in favor of EPA's proposed action.  

 

Interests is high as so many registered to speak that testimony will run
into the evening.   We also left our written testimony with EPA.

I'm told that even more people are registered to testify on these matters at
a meeting in Seattle on the 21st.  Perhaps some of our West Coast contingent
are testifying there?  I have not heard of any such plans personally.

 

Anyway, we have acted -- as a group -- for constructive action by EPA on
global warming!  AND, it felt very strong to speak on behalf of you all:
UUSANs   all   over   the   country!

It felt much more powerful than speaking for UUs in Maryland only.  Yup.  A
very good feeling..  Go SANs!

 

And there were a lot of people in the room who heard our description of UUs
in general and of our network of UU State-wide Advocacy Networks in
specific.  Another good feeling!  Some were UUs we'd just met of the noon
press conference.  They gave us a "thumbs up"  after we finished.

 

Thanks to you all for creating the opportunity to speak up on your behalf
and to feel so big!  What fun!

 

Dave Hackett

Co-Coordinator for Global Warming

UU Legislative Ministry for Maryland

http://www.uulmmd.org/

 

--- 

 

Text of the testimony presented to the May 18, 2009 EPA hearing on
Endangerment caused by Green House Gasses:

 

Summary

 

Refusing to acknowledge and adapt to global warming now won't stop it, but
will increase its cost to all creation.

 

Testimony:  Unitarian Universalists (UUs) are not a dogmatic or centrally
governed religion.  Rather, UUs support each other in a free search for
truth and meaning.  Given this fact it is especially notable that there is a
strong consensus among UUs that greenhouse gas emissions are a major threat
to the public health and welfare of current and future generations of
Americans and to all creation.  Our testimony represents the views of UU
state networks from around the country including: Washington State Unitarian
Universalist Voices for Justice,  UU Massachusetts Action Network,
Minnesota UU Social Justice Alliance,  UU Pennsylvania Legislative Advocacy
Network , and  UU Legislative Ministry of Florida.  These are independently
constituted State-level UU networks that seek environmental and social
justice for all.

 

As Unitarian Universalists, we are gravely concerned about the threat that
global warming poses to our planet and all of us who live on it.  Global
warming will especially affect future generations, who are not here to plead
their case to the EPA. Today we call for courageous and compassionate action
on by us on behalf of future generations. 

 

Climate change has been a fact of life on earth, a part of Creation. What is
different now is the pace of change, and that humans are driving the change.
Climate change is coming much faster than many individual species or
ecosystems can evolve. The faster our climate changes the more humans will
suffer along with the rest of the creatures on this planet. Fortunately, we
have the consciousness and rational abilities to analyze our situation and
prevent the worst of the problems. The EPA has the chance through these
findings to help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions and thus their bad
effects..

 

We applaud and endorse the EPA's proposed findings that greenhouse gases
threaten public health and welfare, and that motor vehicle emissions
contribute to the greenhouse gases. In fact, the science on these matters is
and has been so clear that it seems the findings, from both a legal and
scientific standpoint, are "free at last".  Some dissent continues and
honest skepticism is healthy for scientific integrity.  There is still much
more to learn.  However, we know enough now to invest substantial resources
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transforming our energy economy.

 

Some oppose the EPA's proposed findings arguing that regulatory action is
not the best way to address the challenge of climate change. We prefer that
Congress enact meaningful legislation to quickly and substantially reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and build a clean energy and transportation
economy.  Congressional action would help create the broad political support
that will be necessary to sustain greenhouse gas reductions for decades.
However, Congress has not acted. We cannot afford to wait any longer. EPA
action to address climate change now is vital.

 

Moreover, a swift response by the U.S. government to the threat of global
warming is also of enormous global importance. Many leading climate
scientists believe we have a relatively brief window in which to act in
order to avoid the most serious adverse affects of global warming. To make a
major impact on the course of global warming, we need global action. Truly
inclusive, decisive action will come faster with strong leadership from the
United States. 

 

In December, representatives of countries from around the world meet in
Copenhagen to develop the international program that will follow the Kyoto
Protocol. The world needs clear evidence that the United States is investing
in substantial greenhouse gas emissions reductions now.  Then the rest of
the world, including developing giants such as China and India, is more
likely to pursue the costly changes that leading climate scientists say our
planet needs.

 

For these reasons EPA's findings and its resolve to regulate greenhouse
gases now, on its own, are crucial.

 

What if this debate is not just about science?  Credible climate science is
not new.  Climate science says we must learn and adapt now or suffer
increasingly painful changes.  But the voice of science has not been enough.
Why haven't Americans already acted to stem the tide of global warming?  

 

Fear of change is one suspect.  And how about "No one can tell America what
to do".  Or, "Ye shall deny the truth and your denial will keep us stuck".
Ultimately, we Americans are free to wait until adapting is less effective,
less efficient and costs lots more.  

 

And everyone knows the poor will suffer the most.  Just ask Katrina.  If we
won't invest resources now to stem the flood of changes and seize the
economic high ground, will we really invest lots more resources later to
help those with no boats?

 

Clearly we also need courage and caring to face these scientific and
economic facts.  Facing the scientific facts of climate science at last,
right now, is a moral imperative.  Otherwise our children and grand children
may curse our timidity and short sightedness for endangering their health
and wellbeing.  Whose treasure are we protecting?

 

Refusing to acknowledge and adapt to global warming now won't stop it but it
will increase its cost to all creation.   May courage, love, innovation and
excellent, honest scientific dialogue show us the way to honor both our
children and the interconnected web of all existence.