Testimony to the Environmental Protection Agency Hearing on Clean Power Plan, Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0602

Wednesday, July 30, 2014 Washington, D.C. My name is Susan Guy and I stand before you today as an ordained clergy woman in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and as the Executive Director of Iowa Interfaith Power & Light with nearly 2,000 supporters around the state of lowa, to speak in support of the Clean Power Plan. When I was ordained 21 years ago I never anticipated a moment when I would testify in front of the EPA. In fact, climate change was not an issue that was even remotely in my mind. Throughout my years of ministry in local churches and as an organizer there was one key issue that occupied my heart and mind, and which led me to specific acts of charity and justice — and that issue was hunger. I encouraged the congregations that I served to engage in local hunger ministries, such as support for food pantries and feeding programs. I encouraged participation in community gardens. I encouraged support for global relief efforts to alleviate hunger and poverty. I advocated for federal budget dollars to be directed to anti-poverty and hunger efforts both domestically and globally. And then, I learned about climate change. I remember reading an article on the Geo-Politics of Food that connected the dots for me between the loss of crops due to heat waves and wildfires caused by drought and rising temperatures, the resulting food shortages in the Middle East, and the rise of conflict in that region. The realization that hit me was that if I care about hunger, I need to care about climate change. Climate change is a threat multiplier for so many issues about which people of faith care deeply: not only hunger, but clean water; refugees and immigrants; poverty; disaster relief efforts; and issues of war and peace. It's also an issue that disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable among us —the poor, the sick, the disenfranchised, and even our children and future generations, those whom Jesus implored his followers to care for. It is a matter of justice when those who hold power trample on the needs of the powerless. The prophet Micah asks the question: "What does the Lord require of you? To do justice and love kindness and walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8) Doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God can take many forms, even the form of standards to limit carbon pollution from power plants. The lowans that I represent here today, people of faith from diverse religious traditions, share at least three things in common: a calling to care for Creation, a calling to care for our neighbors both locally and globally, and an abiding hope that by acting together we can find solutions to climate change. We have seen first-hand how innovation in renewable energy can be a benefit to the economy of our state and forjobs, all while keeping our energy costs low. lowa now gets nearly 30% of our etectric

### generation from wind energy, the highest percentage of any state in the nation. At the same time, there

are 3,000 — 4,000 direct and indirect jobs that have been created because of the wind industry in lowa. By creating a clear path to reducing carbon pollution in the United States, the Clean Power Plan will encourage innovation in renewable energy and energy efficiency, spurring further growth in clean energy while reducing consumers' electric bills. It is also, and I believe most importantly, a critical step in working toward global solutions to climate change, since carbon pollution from power plants accounts for almost 40% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. We are not powerless. We are powerful beyond our wildest imaginings. Let's use that power for good. I urge you to move forward with the strongest possible carbon pollution standards in the Clean Power Plan. Do it for the poor, the sick, the disenfranchised. Do it for our children and future generations. Thank you for having this hearing, and thank you for the opportunity to speak today. Respectfully submitted, Rev. Susan Guy Executive Director lowa Interfaith Power & Light 505 5 t `' Avenue, Suite 333 

### Des Moines, IA 50309 director@iowaipl.org