Date: 2015-10-28
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of President Obamas Clean Power Plan. and I would like to applaud the 10.000 men and women. African American faith leaders. who are engaged. involved. and committed to clean air. These faith leaders represent 13 million African American churchgoers who remain steadfast and unmovable in their cause to combat the negative impact of climate change. Mr. Speaker. members of the Congressional Black Caucus tomorrow will receive the signatures and public statements of those demanding that this body fully support President Obamas Clean Power Plan. Nearly 40 percent of the 6 million Americans living close to coalfired power plants are people of color and disproportionately African Americans. Pollution and damaging toxins from these plants are responsible for thousands of premature deaths. higher risk of asthma attacks. respiratory disease. and hundreds of thousands missed workdays. I believe this Congress can hear the Black church and work together. The Black church and their fearless leaders for generations have stood united on critical social. economic. and moral imperatives that are meant to strengthen the communities they represent. They have been in the forefront. like Dr. Martin Luther King. who walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge with our colleague. JOHN LEWIS. for voting rights. Climate change and their support for the Clean Power Plan is no different. They are in the forefront. As they state in their letter to us. "The Bible speaks passionately about the importance of stewardship for Gods creation." and they believe that Obamas Power Plan calls them to action. Mr. Speaker. I join with these ladies and gentlemen in their dedication to saving lives. Mr. Speaker. I rise today in strong support of President Obamas "Clean Power Plan." I would like to applaud the more than 10.000 men and women African American faith leaders. These faith leaders represent 13 million African American churchgoers who remain steadfast and unmovable in their cause to combat the negative impact of climate change. Tomorrow. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus to receive the signatures and public statements of those demanding that this body fully support President Obamas Clean Power Plan. Nearly 40 percent of the six million Americans living close to coalfired power plants are people of color and disproportionately African American. Pollution and damaging toxins from these plants are responsible for thousands of premature deaths. higher risks of asthma attacks. respiratory disease. and hundreds of thousands of missed workdays. The Black Church and their fearless leaders. for generations. have stood united on critical social and economic moral imperatives that are meant to strengthen the communities they represent. Climate change and their support for the Clean Power Plan are no different. As they state in their letter to us: "The Bible speaks passionately about the importance of stewardship for Gods creation. And President Obamas Clean Power Plan echoes Gods call." Once again. I salute these dedicated men and women of God and for the vital work they are doing on this important issue.