By Al Todd
The writer is board chairman of Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake. He was previously executive director of the Alliance for the Bay.
Elected officials in Annapolis have a chance to do something great this legislative session. The faith community and Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake thank Sen. Paul Pinsky and the Maryland Senate for passage of Senate Bill 528, and we encourage the House of Delegates to support the Climate Solutions Now legislation.
Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake works with hundreds of congregations of all faiths across Maryland who have made a strong commitment to our environment. These faith communities have reduced stormwater and water pollution, planted trees to improve air quality, installed renewable energy projects and mobilized their members to take action at home.
We believe we have a sacred obligation to care for the creation God has given to us. The love that we show the earth is a reflection of the love we have for one another. Addressing the climate crisis is the challenge of our time, and one we believe demands our attention. Supporting relevant legislation is one way we live out our values.
The IPC and leaders of the faith community stand ready to ensure this bill becomes the law of our state in this legislative session. We also care deeply about environmental justice and the health of our communities. Not only will this bill reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in tangible ways to the benefit of Marylanders and the air we all breathe but will also take steps to address the impacts of environmental hazards on already-overburdened communities through investments like the Climate Justice Corps and directing resources to communities disproportionately affected by climate change.
As the chairman of the Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake, I call on our state leadership to make a strong stewardship statement this session — create a legacy for people now and for our future.
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