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 _7t WHERE Wou TO St/ ja i WANT virip!. MSE - ==PI NKt FUND REAL HELP NOW Silent Auction to benefit the Pink Fund The Michigan Smart Women's Expo celebrates Women! It is designed for women of all ages seeking to be better informed and proactive about their health, wealth, and overall well being. Silent Auction for The PINK FUND Includes Great Shopping opportunities showcasing Michigan Made Products. 21111 Haggerty Road Novi, MI 48375 October 26, 2014 1 0:00 AM - 4:00 PM Sheraton Inn Novi For more information please call 248-464-3052 or visit www.MichiganSmartWomensExpo.com AEI MEIN. AO, B'NAI B'RITH GREAT LAKES REGION COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 2ND ANNUAL CONCERT FUNDRAISER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25TH, 8:00 p.m. BERMAN THEATER FEATURING HOMETOWN STARS... Danny Gurwin Erin Dilly Dana Steingold "DETROIT BROADWAY EXPRESS... ALL ABOARD" Also Featuring a Children's Choir directed by Cantor Penny Steyer. Ticket Prices: Prime Seating $75 - Lower Level $50 — Upper Level $30 + additional $50 donation for "Meet & Greet" after the show MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY! Call the B'nai B'rith Office at 248-646-3100 with your Master/Visa Card -or- Mail your check, made payable to B'nai B'rith to: B'nai B'rith Scholarship Program 6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 360, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 Proceeds from this event, along with endowments and sponsorships will help us provide a local resource for students in our community looking for financial assistance with the high cost of college tuition M91' of Michigan Interfaith Power and Light. B'NAI B'RITH College Scholarship Fund JN October 16 • 2014 1953850 35