MICHIGAN
SMART WOMEN'S EXPO
Guest Column
OCTOBER 26, 2014
We Have A Responsibility
To Develop Clean Energy
E
ach morning I start my
day with gratitude and
awe for the world in
which we live. As I look out the
window at the flowers and veg-
etables in my garden, I see their
sacred beauty and remember
that in Genesis 2:15 we learn that
God expects humanity to serve
and protect God's cre-
ation.
As I see my neigh-
bors starting their day,
I hear the powerful
message in Leviticus
19:18 to love our neigh-
bors and the countless
times we are com-
manded to protect
the vulnerable. These
moments give me
strength to use my call-
ing as a rabbi to speak
out when I see injustice.
Recently, I have also been
waking up at all hours to the cry
of someone who is a constant
reminder of why I do the work
I do. Every day I make sure my
newborn daughter is fed, com-
forted and healthy.
I also think ahead to her
future as she learns to swim in
the fresh water of Michigan's
lakes, as she explores our state's
majestic forests and as she sim-
ply breathes clean, fresh air.
But it is increasingly clear that
ensuring our children's health in
the long run requires us to work
together — and with our lawmak-
ers — to take significant actions
to protect the air, land and water
on which our children will rely.
Michigan currently depends
heavily on burning coal for elec-
tricity generation. But burning
coal releases toxins and carbon
pollution into our air — there is
no such thing as "clean coal."
Carbon is a heat-trapping gas
that creates smog, contributes
to climate change and worsens
serious health problems, particu-
larly for vulnerable children and
seniors.
While EPA regulations have
greatly improved air quality by
limiting toxic emissions since
the 1970s, there are currently no
national safeguards to curb car-
bon pollution.
The EPA's Clean Power Plan
would build on the success of
past regulations by putting
common sense limits on carbon
pollution — a move that would
help speed our transition toward
clean, renewable energy sources.
This presents a great oppor-
tunity for Michigan, where we
can rely on abundant renewable
resources like the sun
and wind to meet more
of our state's energy
needs.
Gov. Rick Snyder's
energy report indicated
that Michigan could
get 30 percent of its
energy from renew-
able sources by 2035
and reduce its energy
consumption through
efficiency measures by
a third over the next
decade. Following the recommen-
dations of the governor's report
would put Michigan on a path to
meeting the EPA's carbon reduc-
tion targets with ease.
Moving away from coal and
toward more renewable and effi-
cient energy would allow us to
be responsible stewards of the
Earth, protect the vulnerable
and guard the health of our kids,
seniors and families.
As a rabbi and a mother, I can-
not remain silent. My faith and
my concern for my child compel
me to speak up, and the EPA's
public comment period is our
opportunity to do so. I have let
the EPA know that I strongly
support common sense limits on
carbon pollution.
When I fall asleep at night, I
want to know that I have done
my part to protect God's creation
and to ensure a cleaner and
healthier future for my daughter
and for all of God's children. As
the public comment period for
the Clean Power Plan closes
Dec. 1, now is the time to make
our voices heard. Michigan
Interfaith Power and Light has a
page where visitors can submit
comments at www.miipl.org/
action. E
Rabbi Ariana Silverman serves as rabbi
of the Grosse Pointe Jewish Council.
She serves on the clergy advisory team
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WHERE Wou
TO St/
ja i WANT
virip!.
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REAL HELP NOW
Silent Auction to benefit the Pink Fund
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JN
October 16 • 2014
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