As representatives of the faith community, we ask you to cosponsor and support passage of the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act (S. 761). This bipartisan bill, introduced on April 18 by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Rob Portman (OH), would increase energy efficiency standards, save consumers and businesses billions of dollars, add tens of thousands of jobs to the economy, and significantly cut national carbon dioxide emissions.

S. 761 is substantially similar to last Congress' S. 1000 which was reported out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee by an 18-3 vote. A report on that legislation by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) found that 80,000 jobs would be created, $4 billion in energy costs saved, and the CO2 equivalent of 5 million cars taken off the road by 2020. The vast majority of the benefits derive from building energy code provisions in Title I. We would be pleased if the bill would also include support for non-profit organizations seeking to make their buildings more energy efficient.

Energy efficiency is a commonsense approach to so many challenges our nation faces. It costs less than new power generation, saves families and businesses money, and creates jobs. It is effective in reducing CO2 emissions and our dependence on foreign sources of energy. Through S. 761, Congress can begin a wave of legislative solutions to stem the tide of events tied to the climate disruption harming our nation's people, communities, ecosystems and economy. The bipartisan bill demonstrates that we can care for Creation and the most vulnerable peoples and communities in ways that create jobs, reduce costs, and build our economy.

Therefore, we call on you, our elected representatives, to co-sponsor S. 761 and advocate for its passage. We are committed to working with you now and in the future to achieve these goals.

Sincerely,

Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Franciscan Action Network

Friends Committee on National Legislation

Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Institute Justice Team

Unitarian Universalist Association

United Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Ministries