American can be prosperous and preserve the environment the coalition maintains. There is no need to sacrifice economic security to assure environmental health, the letter states. We are being called to consider national purpose, not just policy. This is the first debate on energy in a generation, and it takes place under unprecedented circumstances, the religious leaders point out. The first beneficiaries of a new energy policy should be the poor, the vulnerable, and the sick to whom we can provide assistance with high energy bills, inexpensive mobility through expanded mass transit, cleaner air by reducing pollution from power plants, and lower gasoline prices through strict monitoring of oil companies for price-gouging.
Energy conservation is justice for all peoples and nations.