LOS ANGELES — In response to the Administration’s proposal to reverse Obama-era fuel efficiency and emissions standards, Rabbi Joel Thal Simonds, Executive Director of the Jewish Center for Justice, released the following statement:
“The Jewish Center for Justice strongly opposes the Administration’s decision to roll back fuel and emissions standards designed to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This unethical proposal is a blow to environmental justice efforts and will have a particularly negative impact on the health and quality of life of Americans by taking away each state’s right to establish clean air standards and mandate electric car sales.
“For more than 50 years, California has been a leader in air quality and environmental justice, having taken crucial steps to mitigate the harmful effects of climate change through bold policies designed to cut back on emissions. The Administration is attempting to reverse its progress in one single action, and we will fight back alongside California Governor Jerry Brown and other states that follow the stringent Clean Air Act including Washington State. We must address this assault, and we cannot sit and watch the Administration allow our air to become further polluted, undoubtedly harming future generations.
“Our Jewish tradition imparts on us a moral mandate to preserve our planet and its resources for generations to come. In the book of Genesis, we are reminded of our obligation to act as stewards of the earth. The Jewish Center for Justice is dedicated to fighting the negative impacts of climate change by taking actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in alternative energy sources and protect our natural resources. We firmly urge members of this administration to reverse their course as soon as possible so that California, Washington State and the rest of the country, can continue our collective efforts to support policies that maximize use of our natural resources and minimize our waste and environmental footprint.”
The Jewish Center for Justice is a social justice organization providing a platform for current and future Jewish leaders through education, leadership development and advocacy opportunities. Lead by Rabbi Joel Thal Simonds, JCJ empowers leaders to affect change on the ground in their communities and in our society as whole.