Situated in the rolling loess landscape of NW Iowa’s Sioux County, the Agriculture Stewardship Center (ASC) is a 200-acre teaching and research farm supporting the educational activities of the Dordt University Agriculture Department. Operating since the early 1980s, the Dordt ASC supports teaching with hands-on opportunities for several emphasis areas in agriculture.
As the election results come into greater focus, one thing is clear: to keep this momentum going, EEN’s mission, and your partnership with us in bringing this work to fruition, is more important than ever. This vital work will require all of us working together–Republican and Democrat, conservative and progressive, young and old, rural and urban, and those across any other line that seeks to divide us. As evangelicals who serve the God who breaks down the dividing walls of hostility and creates in himself one body through the peacemaking and reconciling work of the cross (Ephesians 2:14-16), it’s time to come together for bold and hopeful action to ensure a safe climate and healthy environment where all God’s children and creation can thrive.
On Wednesday, October 16, the Supreme Court denied requests from industry groups and state attorneys general to freeze the EPA’s new safeguards on carbon pollution from power plants. In its order, the court stated that the rule would remain in place as proceedings take place in lower courts. This decision marks the third time this term that the Supreme Court has declined to block new EPA rules on harmful and/or climate warming pollution, including safeguards on methane emissions and air toxics. In response to the court’s decision, EEN President & CEO Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman released the following statement.
Iowa farmer and friend of EEN, Ray Gaesser, provides us with a harvest report after a season of intense and varied weather paired with the climate smart practices he utilizes on his farm. Ray urges farm communities and neighbors to come together and support each other in building soil health and resilience to benefit everyone.
Guest writer Doug Bos shares how extreme weather impacts soil health and farmers' ability to produce a plentiful, nutritious harvest. Learn how the Rock County Land Management Office in Minnesota seeks to support farmers in improving their soil health for the good of the community and God's creation.
On Friday, October 4th, 2024 the Supreme Court denied requests from industry groups and states to halt the Environmental Protection Agency’s Section 111 Methane Rule, Mercury and Air Toxics Standard, and block new limits on methane emissions from new and existing oil and gas infrastructure. In response to this decision, EEN President & CEO Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman issued the following statement.
On Friday, October 4, EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe will retire from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Deputy Administrator McCabe stated, “I am looking forward to a new chapter in my life, taking me back home to Indiana to be with my family and friends.” In response, EEN President and CEO Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman released the following statement.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced up to $7.7 billion for fiscal year 2025 to help agricultural and forestry producers adopt voluntary conservation practices on working lands, representing double the amount made available last year and the highest level of assistance made available in a single year in U.S. history for popular USDA conservation programs. In response, Evangelical Environmental Network President and CEO, Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman, released the following statement.
As evangelical Christians, we commit ourselves to the God of reconciliation who is “setting things right” (Romans 3:22, MSG). Reconciliation requires remembrance, an act Scripture places great importance on. In this spirit, over 15,390 pro-life Christians (including 10,900 in Oklahoma) have registered their support to designate “Black Wall Street” in the Historic Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma–and the site of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre–as a national monument.
Kim Anderson, EEN's Director of Member Mobilization, shares about her family's experience of switching to heat pumps to cool and heat their Pennsylvania home. Kim explains how tax credits included in the Inflation Reduction Act, along with energy efficiency savings, have lowered her household's energy bills while also emitting less pollution!
This article explores some of the triggers of stress among farmers and how a long-term commitment to following soil-health principles may reduce the intensity of farm related stressors. Included is the story of Feikema Farms, data from a 2019 SDSU study, and ways we can all support our rural communities.
Rudolphi shines a light on the prevalence of depression and anxiety among farmers due to various agricultural stressors. She shares how the North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center as well as other programs have been working to break the stigma around farmer mental health, make services more accessible, and help communities be prepared to support their local farm families.
New independent analysis by four expert energy modeling groups projects that the Bipartisan Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, which was reported out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee with strong bipartisan support (15-4), will produce net reductions in carbon emissions by streamlining the permitting process and removing bottlenecks that have slowed the buildout of clean energy in America. In response, Evangelical Environmental Network President and CEO, Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman, released the following statement.
On September 5th, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized their “Policy for Meaningful Engagement and Public Participation in Agency Decision-Making Processes.” According to the EPA, “The Achieving Health and Environmental Protection Through EPA’s Meaningful Engagement Policy (Meaningful Engagement Policy) outlines updates on how the agency intends to engage with the public and provide meaningful public participation opportunities in all of its programs and regions.” In response, Evangelical Environmental Network President and CEO Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman released the following statement.
Farmers are called to be the shepherds of God's creation. As a seventh-generation farmer from Iowa, I hold this calling very closely and try to embody it on my farm and in my business at Continuum Ag. On the farm, my family has been very focused on improving soil health.
In this blog, Pastor Dean Van Farowe shares how his church in Cleveland, Ohio has partnered with local environmental organizations to teach kids how to care for God's creation and practice skills that will last a lifetime!
Society is facing many challenges, from climate issues including wide swings in temperature and moisture, to water quality and quantity issues, to low farm profitability, to the decline of rural communities, to our human health crisis. It is my belief that all of these can be linked, at least in part, to the degradation of our soil
Recently, two of EEN’s wise farm advisors were asked about the benefits of growing cover crops on their farms during this past spring’s wet weather. Rev. Tim Olsen shares out wisdom on cover crops from a few of our nation's farmers, especially in a time when extreme weather events are more prevalent.
From the Field is a new Question and Answer section of our Faith & Agriculture Newsletter, Regenerate. Questions from you. Answers from our Nation's Farmers. This month Shawn and Becky Feikema answer a question about the pros and cons of tilling versus no till farming.
EEN celebrates the recent bipartisan passage of House Bill 1032, the Solar for Schools Grant Program, in the Senate. By diversifying our energy mix, this bill will add more reliable, renewable energy to the grid and a better school environment for our children to learn in. Carolyn Heckman, the Associate Director of Pennsylvania Policy for EEN, shares a statement.
During this month of June we recognize National Pollinators Month. The Rev. Philip Westra, of Sanborn, IA shares how beekeeping informs his personal spirituality and ministry leadership.
On Friday June 21, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy announced that they are now receiving applications for $850 million in federal funding for projects that will help monitor, measure, quantify and reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sectors as part of the Methane Emissions Reduction Program created under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. In response to this announcement, EEN President & CEO Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman issued the following statement.
Dairy farmers are keeping pace with the demand for high quality milk products by following cow husbandry practices based on emerging agriculture science, common sense, and faithfulness to God’s call to care for creation. The agricultural land of the upper Midwest illustrates God's ongoing promise of gifting His people with "a land of milk and honey." This article celebrates June as National Dairy Month by spotlighting the creation care practices of South Dakota dairy farmers.
In this guest blog, Professor Emeritus of Environmental Engineering Fred Cannon explores the pressing need to adopt clean energy technologies, the evolution of environmental engineering, and how this relates back to EEN's work of caring for God's creation.
EEN Board Member, farmer, and professor of agriculture and environmental science Dr. Ron Vos reflects on recent heavy rain and flooding in the upper Midwest and its affect on local growers. He also touches on the benefits of soil-erosion practices like cover crops and minimum tillage and the potential to support these soil-smart methods with the current Farm Bill.
Today, with bipartisan approval the House Agriculture Committee advanced the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 - its version of the five-year farm bill reauthorization. The Farm Bill is a crucial opportunity to better support our farmers, foresters, and ranchers in their calling to steward God’s creation, to promote food security for our families, national security for our country, and to pass down a strong legacy and bright future to the next generation.
America’s farmers, foresters, and ranchers are important stewards of God’s creation. The five-year Farm Bill is a crucial opportunity to better enable our farmers to carry out this critical work as well as advance the food security of our families and America’s national security. The Evangelical Environmental Network applauds House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson for his leadership advancing the Farm Bill process with the release of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act.
One way to celebrate World Bee Day is to landscape backyards, church campuses, community garden space, and public spaces with bee-friendly habitats. EEN's Upper Midwest Coordinator shares advice and tips!
Pastor Brian Jack from Milford, IA shares about his passion for honey bees and beekeeping. He explains how beekeeping informs his ministry, personal faith, and appreciation for God's creation.
Over 90,000 pro-life Christians have joined the Evangelical Environmental Network in voicing support for preserving the Inflation Reduction Act’s recent $20 billion investment in helping our farmers adopt climate-smart agriculture practices. As evangelical Christians who care about stewarding God's creation well, we applaud America's farmers, foresters, and ranchers as critical stewards of our land, water, and air. However, they need our support to keep up the good work.
Today, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) released a detailed section-by-section farm bill reauthorization proposal, The Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act. In response, The Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman, EEN’s President & CEO, released the following statement.
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a suite of finalized pollution safeguards for the power sector, including strengthened standards on hazardous air pollutants under the life-saving Mercury and Air Toxics Standard (MATS) and measures to cut carbon pollution from new gas power plants and existing coal-fired power plants. In response to today’s announcement, The Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman, EEN’s President & CEO, released the following statement.
All Christians are called by God to be stewards of all the earth and have been given the unique responsibility to care for all creation. This care can begin just outside in our backyards. I invite you to join me on a pictorial tour of my vegetable gardens and landscaping at my home in the rural town of Luverne, MN, located 30 miles east of Sioux Falls, SD.
Samuel Mohnkern of Petersburg, PA signs his emails as an Arborist & Horticulturist and the Owner of Restoration Landcare. In this article, Tim Olsen shares Sam's expert advice on the selection, planting, and care of trees for both residential and church properties.
Today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced final standards that will modernize oil and gas leasing on public lands. On behalf of the over 33,000 pro-life Christians who spoke out in support of these reforms, along with a majority of western voters, EEN celebrates these common-sense updates that will bring oil and gas leasing into the 21st century and encourage better stewardship of God’s creation.
At the end of March, I had the opportunity to attend and speak at a Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee Meeting (GPAC) in Washington D.C. on behalf of EEN’s partner ministry, Young Evangelicals for Climate Action (YECA). EEN and YECA were a part of a group of folks from across the country who were attending the meeting to share testimony related to a proposed PHMSA rule the committee was reviewing. The central message I brought to the committee was that for Christians, methane pollution and pipeline safety are a matter of defending life.
On April 2, 2024, the House Conservative Climate Caucus announced that Representative John Curtis (R-Utah) will be turning over leadership to Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa). Rep. Miller-Meeks will be the second chair of this 85-member caucus. In response, President & CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network The Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman released the following statement.
Last Friday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced finalized Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles, (Phase 3) for model years 2027 through 2032. Heavy-duty vehicles, including tractor trailers, delivery vans, and diesel-powered school buses, play an outsized role in generating unhealthy air in our neighborhoods and carbon pollution that fuels climate change. In response to these finalized standards, President & CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network The Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman released the following statement.
On March 27, the Department of the Interior announced a final rule from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to curb the waste of our precious natural resources during the production of oil and gas on federal and Tribal lands. In response, The Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman, President & CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network, released the following statement.
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced finalized emissions standards for light-duty vehicles model year 2027 through 2032. These safeguards are a historic step forward in cleaning up our nation’s transportation sector–which is responsible for approximately 45% of harmful smog-forming NOx emissions in the U.S.–and defending our communities from dangerous tailpipe pollution that chokes our air and harms public health. In response to these finalized safeguards, President & CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network The Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman released the following statement.
On March 13, 2024, President Biden announced $3.3 billion in funding for projects in over 40 states that will reconnect and rebuild communities, particularly those that have been historically divided by transportation infrastructure and have long been overlooked and underinvested. In response to this announcement, the Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman, President and CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network, released the following statement.
This article from guest writer Luis Luna highlights the work, initiatives, and values of Hope Grows, an urban agriculture initiative of Building Hope in the City, located in Cleveland, OH.
Guest writer Rev. Andy Rozendaal shares his story from growing up on a farm in Iowa, to attending seminary, to now working with a small nonprofit farm in Holland, Michigan. Read about the work Eighth Day Farm does and Andy's reflections on the impact of urban farming programs in bringing communities together.
On Friday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will amend its proposed plan to cut carbon pollution from the power sector. The revised plan will advance as a two-pronged approach that tackles pollution from new gas plants and existing coal plants now while addressing existing gas plants in the future. As a result, the EPA will launch a new rulemaking process for existing gas power plants that will apply to the entire gas-fired fleet and cover more pollutants than originally proposed, including toxic and criteria air pollution. In response, the Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman, President & CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network, released the following statement.
EEN Board Member, Ron Vos, shares details on what programs and funding are at stake in the U.S. Farm Bill reauthorization and how he's utilized accessible conservation practices on his own farm. He goes into the specifics of waterway contamination in the Midwest and how the Farm Bill can incentivize and enable farmers and landowners to mitigate harmful contamination of our waterways.
EEN Board Member, Jeff Kopaska, reflects on caring for our waterways and the creatures that inhabit them as apart of our creation care biblical mandate. He highlights the state of waterways and fish in his home state of Iowa and offers ways to prioritize clean water as we practice other land conservation techniques.
The Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) applauds Governor Josh Shapiro for highlighting the importance of weatherization, energy efficiency, and the health of our families and communities during his Pennsylvania 2024/2025 budget address. The Whole-Home Repairs Program will provide funding for county-wide agencies to address habitability and safety concerns, provide measures to improve energy or water efficiency, and make units accessible for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, this program provides funding to PA counties for construction-related workforce development, meaning family-sustaining jobs across our state’s communities.
On February 7, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a final plan to strengthen a critical national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for soot pollution, also known as fine particle pollution or PM2.5. In response, the Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman, President & CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network, released the following statement.
Today, the United States Senate confirmed Mr. Joseph Goffman as Assistant Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Air and Radiation. The Office of Air and Radiation has the critical mission of ensuring clean air for all Americans. On behalf of the more than 600,000 pro-life Christians who have taken action with us for strong pollution safeguards, clean air, and a safe climate for all God’s children, the Evangelical Environmental Network congratulates Mr. Goffman on his confirmation.
Guest writer, Mark Ogland-Hand, dives into his work building climate-friendly homes with Habitat for Humanity in Kent County, Michigan. Mark seeks to make design and construction decisions for the long-term health and welfare of both people and the climate. Learn how you can utilize benefits in the Inflation Reduction Act to make similar choices for your own home.
A reflection on how Christians can bless children like Jesus by helping to ensure healthy food for kids during the school summer break, especially in more rural communities. Featuring a letter from the director of the USDA’s Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships to faith leaders.
The extreme winter weather currently affecting a substantial portion of the U.S. population also significantly adds to the workload and stress of America’s farmers, ranchers, and agriculture services providers. Thank you to these faithful stewards of God’s creation for providing food to our nation and to the world, even during periods of dangerously cold temperatures!
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposal for a methane waste charge on large sources of oil and gas methane pollution. The proposed methane waste charge is part of the Methane Emissions Reduction Program authorized by Congress through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. In response, EEN President & CEO Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman issued the following statement
The Evangelical Environmental Network applauds the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announcement of $350 million in funding to 14 states to identify, measure, and permanently reduce methane emissions from low-producing (marginal) conventional oil and gas wells as part of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Methane Emissions Reduction Program. Cutting wasteful and dangerous methane emissions from the oil and gas sector is one of the fastest ways to slow global warming now and is also crucial to defending our children’s health from toxic gases associated with methane leaks and other contaminates that despoil God’s amazing creation.
Every five years, Congress passes a Farm Bill that shapes food access and nutrition, agriculture, rural economies, trade, on-farm energy production, and so much more. With farm incomes plunging, trade wars looming, and climate change heightening the threat of natural disasters, the fate of this Farm Bill is very important, especially for those concerned with caring for God's creation.
As Christians, Christmas is a particularly special time of the year as we come together with loved ones to celebrate the joy of the incarnation of Jesus, the gift of a savior being born, and the anticipation of His return. However, Christmas is also a time that has traditionally lacked a heavy focus on creation care. From excessive waste to an increase in energy consumption, the rhythms surrounding Christmas can unintentionally contribute to burdens on God’s creation, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Below are some ways that you can participate in Christmas traditions this year while also stewarding creation and honoring God’s many gifts.
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final standard to curb wasteful methane emissions and other harmful air pollutants from the oil and gas sector. On behalf of the more than 600,000 pro-life Christians who spoke out with EEN for stronger methane pollution safeguards over the last decade, the Evangelical Environmental Network applauds President Biden and EPA Administrator Regan for taking this bold action to cut methane pollution from oil & gas production.
Altogether, the new methane safeguards are expected to eliminate an estimated 80% of wasteful methane leaks and prevent approximately 58 million tons of methane (equivalent to 1.5 billion tons of CO2), 16 million tons of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and 600,000 tons of hazardous air pollutants from being released into the air we breathe over the next 15 years.
The new EPA methane standard is not only good for our health, climate, and God’s creation, but will also create thousands of new, family-sustaining careers in manufacturing, construction, and maintenance operations to deploy leak reducing technologies and practices at new, modified, and existing oil and gas facilities. It also represents wise stewardship of our precious natural resources and good fiscal management. Methane leaks, if captured instead of being wasted into the atmosphere, could heat and power millions of homes and generate billions in revenues.
As contemporary followers of Jesus, our connection to–and understanding of–the relationship between the “Lord of the harvest” and our daily bread remains important. Today, the Farm Bill presents a unique opportunity for Christ followers in America to marry good theology with good policy and support flourishing life and stewardship of God’s creation. Additionally, local partnerships like the one between my home church, Grace Snellville Church in metro Atlanta, and Fresh Harvest serve as a witness to the critical relationship between our food and our faith.
We at the Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) and its policy partner EEN Action thank Governor Shapiro for taking the important step in moving toward a safe and healthy future for all generations by appealing the lower commonwealth court’s decision regarding the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). In Mark 12, the Bible tells us to “love your neighbor as yourself.” This decision allows us to care for the health and wellbeing of our neighbors throughout the commonwealth, especially our children.
Two years since the signing of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act–a landmark investment in American infrastructure and the health and safety of our communities–remarkable progress has been made, with nearly $400 billion allocated to fund over 40,000 projects throughout the U.S.! These initiatives span various sectors, addressing critical environmental, economic, and social needs. On the anniversary of this historic legislation, we’re reflecting on the ways the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is defending our children’s health, restoring God’s creation, and setting us on the path to a clean energy future fueled by family-sustaining careers for American workers across the country.
Our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and foresters are at the forefront of fulfilling God’s continuing entrustment of the good gifts of land, crops, trees, and livestock. Located in the southwest corner county of SW Minnesota, Shawn and Becky Feikema, co-owners of Feikema Farms, are living out God’s entrustment by practicing no-till, minimum till, cover crop management, and diverse crop rotations on 7,000 acres of prime Minnesota farmland.
Robert Bonnie shares how farmers, ranchers, and forest owners have stewarded our land and how they're stepping up in new ways to address our changing climate. Thanks to benefits in the Inflation Reduction Act, the U.S. Department of Agriculture can further invest in conservation programs and resources for farmers. He stresses the importance of the new U.S. Farm Bill in continuing to support farmers in climate smart agriculture.
EEN's President/CEO gives an update on the current status of the 2023 U.S. Farm Bill and emphasizes why Christians should care about this as an avenue to steward God's creation well. She encourages Congress to not forget about our nation's farmers.
Guest writer, Mark Ogland-Hand, describes how he and his wife have been transitioning their Michigan home away from greenhouse-gas-emitting fuels. They hope to honor God and steward creation by making their home a blessing to future generations of inhabitants.
The Evangelical Environmental Network and our over 150,000 pro-life supporters thank Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro for prioritizing public health and safety by taking a monumental step in addressing the 43rd Statewide Investigating Grand Jury report and recommendations. By taking action to right its wrongs, CNX Resources has a chance to prove itself and change its ways moving forward in its collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
The Evangelical Environmental Network applauds Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Roger Wicker (R-MS) for the introduction of the Foreign Pollution Fee Act of 2023. This bill is a win for American workers and will help ensure a healthy environment for all of God’s children, both at home and across the world.
This week, the Evangelical Environmental Network submitted over 37,000 comments from pro-life Christians to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) in support of stronger fuel economy standards on passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks. These comments urged the DOT to increase passenger car fuel economy by 6% a year–and light trucks by 8% a year–beginning in model year 2027, as well as supporting a 10% improvement for pickup trucks and work vans beginning in 2030.
The Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) condemns the heinous acts of terrorism and violence perpetrated against Israel by Hamas and mourns the catastrophic loss of life in Israel and Palestine that has continued throughout the region since Saturday. As pro-life evangelicals, we believe every life is sacred and of unsurpassable worth to God. As such, we are deeply saddened by the thousands of lives lost, including those of mothers, elders, and children.
Today, the Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) submitted 33,059 comments from individual pro-life Christians calling on the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to modernize oil and gas leasing on our public lands (Docket ID No. BLM-2023-0005-0001).
EEN applauds Sen. Hickenlooper and Rep. Peters for their leadership introducing the BIG WIRES Act. The BIG WIRES Act would spur the development of interregional transmission lines to connect our fragmented and disconnected regional grids in our country and will help increase energy reliability, lower costs, and defend life from the harms of prolonged blackouts during extreme weather conditions.
Last month, the University of Pittsburgh released a monumental medical study showing the risks that not only adults face, but also children, due to natural gas (methane) development. The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between methane and particular health issues such as asthma and birth outcomes. And the results were as shocking as they were alarming. How can Christians defend the lives and health of our children?
On September 6, the White House announced that the Biden Administration canceled existing oil and gas leases on public lands in the Arctic Refuge. Additionally, the Administration announced protections for 13 million acres of the Western Arctic. EEN President/CEO Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman expresses her support and gratitude.
Today, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will discontinue its reconsideration of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Ozone issued during the Trump Administration and instead refocus its efforts on a new scientific review. In response to the EPA’s announcement, the Evangelical Environmental Network’s President & CEO the Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman issues a statement.
Today, the Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) submitted 51,584 comments from individual pro-life Christians in support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed standards on carbon pollution from fossil-fuel-fired power plants (Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2023-0072-0001). These proposed standards–which require a cut in carbon emissions by up to 90% from new and existing fossil fuel power plants by 2040–will prevent 1,300 premature deaths, 800 hospital and ER visits, more than 300,000 asthma attacks, 38,000 school absences, and 66,000 lost workdays in the year 2030 alone.
“Why is it so hazy outside?” As an apocalyptic, orange haze settled over much of the eastern U.S. earlier this summer, this question was one that many were asking. In this blog, EEN's Pennsylvania Policy and Outreach Coordinator Carolyn Heckman explores the health effects of soot and wildfire smoke, how extreme weather is linked to climate change, and how we can begin to respond and care for God's creation.
The Evangelical Environmental Network applauds the newly announced partnership between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide up to $350 million in funding for states to identify and permanently reduce methane emissions from low-producing (marginal) conventional oil and gas wells as part of the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. The Methane Emissions Reduction Program, made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act, is central to stopping wasteful and dangerous methane leaks that harm our children’s health and contaminate God’s amazing creation.
Today, the Evangelical Environmental Network is proud to announce our joining of the 1t.org US chapter. 1t.org US, or the Trillion Trees Platform, is a community of US-based companies, nonprofit organizations, and governments committed to reaching the global goal of creating healthy and resilient forests through conservation, restoration, and reforestation.
The Evangelical Environmental Network applauds the U.S. Department of the Interior’s and Bureau of Land Management’s proposed rule to modernize oil and gas leasing on our public lands. The proposed rule is a win for God’s creation, better health, fiscal responsibility, and fairness for the American taxpayer.
The PROVE-IT Act provides the data collection to prove that American manufacturing industries such as steel, aluminum, cement, and batteries – to name a few – are among the cleanest in the world, especially in terms of energy use, efficiency, and carbon intensity. This verifiable data defends American industry against other nations who produce higher pollution levels that threaten the health of our children and American jobs.
The Evangelical Environmental Network applauds the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) investment of $300 million to improve measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification of greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration in climate-smart agriculture and forestry. On-farm soil carbon measurement and monitoring is one of the best ways to accelerate the long-term adoption of sustainable agriculture and forestry practices, allowing farmers to see for themselves the value and effectiveness of climate-smart agriculture.
Today, the Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) submitted 25,303 comments from individual pro-life Christians calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to strengthen safeguards on pollution from light- and medium-duty passenger vehicles (Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2022–0829). In June, EEN also delivered 21,676 comments to the EPA in support of stronger standards on heavy-duty vehicle emissions (Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2022–0985).
In this blog, Julian Burnett shares how Pennsylvania residents are saving money by switching to solar energy. Energy efficiency can help lower bills and raise home comfort but a lesser known benefit of energy efficiency is reducing the amount of pollutants and other environmental hazards coming into your home. As Christians, we can take advantage of this opportunity to care for our very own "Garden of Eden" as well as one another.
In this blog post, Indy Creation Fest organizer and volunteer Shiloh Cating shares how her scope of caring for God's creation has been expanded to include countless kinds of individual actions and work in her community. She also explores how this deepened understanding has brought her renewed excitement and joy in stewarding creation.
In this blog, Creation Care Champion Jack Joseph reflects on his experiences turning his faith into action for God's creation. Whether minimizing personal environmental impact, contributing to his church's community garden, or getting involved in advocacy, Jack demonstrates the variety of ways that Christians can step up to act on climate and defend God's creation.
In this blog post, EEN's Communications Associate Jaime Butler reflects on her experience visiting Washington, D.C. in March for National Public Health Advocacy Week.
The Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) offers proud support for Senator Hickenlooper (D, CO) and Representative Scott Peters’s (D, CA-50) plans to introduce The Building Integrated Grids With Inter-Regional Energy Supply (BIG WIRES) Act. It is far past time to upgrade our outdated electric transmission. We must provide sufficient interconnection between our three major grids and all wholesale energy markets and transmission planning regions.
There’s no doubt that the conversation around gas stoves is polarizing. As you think about the best way to steward God’s resources in your life and home as you care for creation, you may wonder if there’s any way to cut through the noise and get down to the facts about how gas stoves could be affecting your family’s health and what alternatives are available. If you have been asking these kinds of questions, look no further! Here’s a rundown of why the gas stove debate has become so heated and some reasons why swapping out your gas stove for electric alternatives could be good for your wallet, God’s creation, and your family’s health.
My name is Adelaide Mei, and I had the privilege of working for EEN as a communications intern this past semester. Prior to working for EEN, I had heard quite a bit about creation care as a current student at Calvin University as well as the need for decarbonization as a result of my internship last summer. However, many phrases like “decarbonization,” “decoupling,” “carbon intensity,” and “sustainability” were not very tangible for me and difficult to pinpoint how they applied to me and my life. Working for EEN has solidified for me why we care about pollutants: because they directly affect us and the people around us.
As pro-life evangelicals, scripture calls us to be good stewards of all God’s creation – this includes both the natural world as well as each other, especially children. Defending children’s health is not just an ethical calling, but a biblical one. The commonwealth of Pennsylvania has the opportunity to defend children’s health through two proposed bills: Senate Bill 230 (AEPS/Community Solar) and House Bill 1032 (Solar for Schools Grant Program).
The Evangelical Environmental Network’s (EEN) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of The Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman as EEN’s next President and CEO. The Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman is a climate and environmental scientist, pastor, educator, and advocate. She currently serves as EEN’s Vice President of Science and Policy.
The Evangelical Environmental Network applauds the introduction of the COVER Program Act. This bipartisan, bicameral act will expand and codify the Pandemic Cover Crop Program (PCCP). A program which was supported by the majority of farmers who participated in EEN's listening sessions this past fall and winter. The COVER Act is a no-nonsense Bill that is voluntary, has minimal cost, and supplies huge benefits in soil health, soil conservation, water quality improvements, and food security for all Americans.
In honor of World Bee Day on May 20, 2023, EEN Upper Midwest Coordinator Tim Olsen reflects on the Biblical relevance of bees and honey, the history of beekeeping in the Church, and how being mindful of pollinators can be a meaningful part of practicing creation care.
Recently, the city of New York made the groundbreaking decision to ban gas stoves in new buildings beginning in 2030. While some may view this as a radical step, many American families are already choosing alternatives to gas appliances in their kitchens as they learn about the potential health risks gas stoves may pose to their families. As Evangelical Christians, we care about these possible harms to our children and communities as well as the impact of gas stoves on God’s creation.
The Evangelical Environmental Network applauds the U.S. EPA’s proposed safeguards requiring cuts in carbon pollution by up to 90% from new and existing fossil fuel power plants by 2040. As the second-largest source of U.S. carbon emissions, power plant pollution must be addressed to defend the health and lives of our children and families.
Every child deserves to reach their God-given potential, but as communities across the country–such as East Palestine, OH; Cambria County, PA; and Washington County, KS–grapple with the fallout of contaminated water, air, and soil from toxic leaks and spills, many parents worry for their children’s health and safety. That is why the Evangelical Environmental Network applauds the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) for their proposed rule to better detect and repair methane leaks from natural gas pipelines.
Rev. Tim Olsen, EEN's Upper Midwest Coordinator, shares the story of South Dakota farmer Walt Bones and the stewardship legacy of his family's farms. “As dedicated agriculturalists, the Bones family have been trailblazers in countless arenas. They have been building a legacy of leadership in agriculture, conservation, and sustainability over five generations that has made positive impacts which will continue for decades to come.”
The Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) proudly supports the efforts of Senators Braun (R, IN) and Bennet’s (D, CO) Increased TSP Access Act of 2023. Throughout Fall 2022 and Winter 2023, EEN hosted twelve Farm Bill listening sessions with evangelical farmers across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. In our meetings, many farmers called for increased support and resources to be put toward creating more robust and reliable technical assistance programs.
Rev. Tim Olsen, EEN's Upper Midwest Coordinator, reflects on the importance of Congress passing a conservation-forward 2023 Farm Bill and his experience leading listening sessions this past spring with local midwest farmers, agricultural professionals, and church leaders.
Getting to go with EEN to the Climate Action Campaign (CAC) Public Health Lobby in Washington DC was an absolutely unforgettable experience. Growing up, I had always heard of the importance of participating in our government by voting and calling our representatives, but going to DC and getting to actually meet with them in person both reminded me of the importance of talking with our representatives and the privilege of being able to do so.
At the Evangelical Environment Network, we believe no child should have their God-given potential cut short. That’s why we applaud the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Administrator Regan for their proposal strengthening safeguards against hazardous air pollutants under the life-saving Mercury and Air Toxics Standard.
This week, EEN President & CEO Mitch Hescox reflects on Good Friday and what the work of the cross means for all God's creation.
This week, one of EEN's Communications Interns, Adelaide Mei, reflects on what it means to be transformed by Christ and to set our minds on things above.
This week, EEN's Associate Director of PA & OH Outreach Kim Anderson reflects on partaking in the practice of communion.
The Evangelical Environmental Network and our over 150,000 pro-life supporters applaud Governor Josh Shapiro in his budget address for holding up our Commonwealth’s Constitution and its amendment to defend our children’s health:
The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustees of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.
This week, Rev. Allen Drew, Regional Organizer for the Climate Witness Project, reflects on where we as Christians seek power and how the Kingdom of God may look different from our earthly kingdoms and communities.
Today the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee is marking up H.R. 1141, a bill that would repeal the Methane Emissions Reduction Program that provides a critical new avenue for defending all God's children, both born and unborn, from the health harms of methane pollution and associated climate threats. MERP is a forward-looking program, set to put the U.S. on a path to successfully and efficiently reduce oil and gas methane emissions and spur economic innovation in methane mitigation. The standards and limits set in MERP are in line with the industry-set goals, and many operators understand the need to lower their emissions and have already started doing so. With this in mind, we strongly oppose H.R. 1141 and the threat it poses to children’s health, God’s creation, and our economy.
This week, EEN's Vice President Kyle Meyaard-Schaap reflects on the limitations of created beings and how the reminder that we will return to dust can draw us closer to our creator.
Throughout the season of Lent, members of the EEN community are invited to send us short reflections of how they are living into following Jesus toward the cross and new creation. Today's reflection comes from Jim Tolbert of Asheville, NC.
In this first week of Lent, EEN's Director of Church & Community Engagement Marqus Cole reflects on why we observe the season of Lent and how Jesus can serve as our guide.
A train derailment earlier this month in East Palestine, Ohio has recently received a great deal of attention across the country. The crash resulted in the derailment of 50 cars, including 11 carrying highly toxic chemicals. In all, thousands of gallons of toxic matter spilled and burned at the site of the crash. These toxins – used in making paint, adhesives, and PVC pipes – were spread into the surrounding air, ground, and water. How can we as Christians respond to this incident and take action to prevent future accidents?
Today, the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) announced its priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill. As a general FACA member, The Evangelical Environmental Network proudly supports these policy recommendations. It is time we supply the support for some of America’s best stewards of creation and help our farmers get rewarded for their climate mitigation and adaptation practices so more in the agriculture community can become part of the solution.
EEN's Director of Church & Community Engagement Marqus Cole begins our Lenten devotional with a reflection on Ash Wednesday.
Earlier in February 2023, Senators Bill Cassidy (R, LA) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D, RI) reintroduced the bipartisan and bicameral Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies & Ecosystems (RISEE) Act. The RISSE Act has overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers, with a host of co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle. The Evangelical Environmental Network is thankful for the efforts of both lead senators and the many cosponsors.
Psalm 33:5 states that, “The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.” Today, there’s a wonderful sense of justice as EPA Administrator Regan signed the finalized Mercury and Air Toxics Standard (MATS). This promulgation once again—and hopefully for the final time—determines that it is both appropriate and necessary to regulate mercury and other hazardous gases that have, for decades, inflicted brain damage and other severe health conditions on America’s children.
This overwhelming support from our community is a witness to their strong concern for defending the health and lives of children from the threats of toxins and climate warming methane from the oil/gas industry.
One option to help decrease indoor pollution is swapping out your gas stove for an electric one. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), families have the opportunity to change their old gas stoves out for more efficient and safer electric stoves in an affordable way.
The Evangelical Environmental Network is thankful for EPA Administrator Regan’s announcement this morning regarding lowering the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for PM2.5 to a 9-10 μg/m3 range for the annual standard while keeping the 24-hour standard at 35 μg/m3. While we are not content with the current proposed standards, we are glad the public process is finally underway, and EEN will work to strengthen the rule for the health and safety of God's children.
America’s farmers, foresters, and ranchers are among the most dedicated stewards of God’s creation and are a key part of the solution to climate change. However, significant logistical and financial barriers often exist that make it difficult for these stewards to implement good conservation and climate-friendly practices. That’s why we applaud the inclusion of the bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act in the end-of-year funding package.
We at the Evangelical Environmental Network are thankful for the EPA’s promulgation of its Heavy-Duty Vehicle NOx Standard today. This rule is a much-needed first action to curb NOx pollution from freight trucks and other large vehicles. Heavy-duty vehicles contribute 63% of dangerous nitrogen oxides and other pollution in our air, harming respiratory and cardiovascular health, especially in marginalized communities found near freight routes.
In week four of EEN's Christ in Creation Advent Devotional, President & CEO Mitch Hescox reflects on peace.
Rev. Mitch Hescox has announced his retirement from the Evangelical Environmental Network as of August 1, 2023. Mitch has been the President & CEO of EEN for the last 14 years.
On December 6, 2022, EEN's Vice President for Science and Policy Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman testified before House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. Below is a written version of her testimony.
In week three of EEN's Christ in Creation Advent Devotional, Vice President for Science & Policy Jessica Moerman reflects on joy.
In week two of EEN's Christ in Creation Advent Devotional, Vice President Kyle Meyaard-Schaap reflects on faith.
The Evangelical Environmental Network thanks the BLM for the release of the BLM Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation Standard. This rule is a good first step but needs to go further. As we study the newly released proposal, we pray BLM will follow the lead of several pioneering western states and propose tangible benefits to end routine flaring and venting to avoid wasteful practices and protect the health of our greatest resource: our children.
In week one of EEN's Christ in Creation Advent Devotional, YECA National Organizer and Spokesperson Tori Goebel reflects on hope.
Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an updated rule to cut methane and other harmful pollutants from oil and gas operations across the U.S. The proposed standard would reduce 36 million tons of leaked methane, 9.7 million tons of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) smog-producing compounds, and 390,000 tons of hazardous air pollutants (HAP’s) such as cancer-causing benzene. These reductions will have a profound impact in defending our kids’ health and lives and will also significantly contribute to addressing the climate crisis.
Since becoming involved in EEN and now as chair of EEN’s Board, I have gained a new understanding, deepening my concern and respect for creation. The vast beauty of God’s creation is certainly a wonder to behold when we take the time away from our busy lives to stop, look, listen, and drink in its majesty. As a champion of creation care and the need for all of us living in this fragile world to care for the future of God’s creation, including addressing the climate crisis, I encourage each of you to support efforts to keep our world clean, safe, and pollution free.
We pray and hope that Save Our Sequoias Act quickly becomes a bipartisan effort in the Senate, as it already is in the House of Representatives, and moves with haste through both chambers to President Biden’s desk.
As President & CEO of EEN, I have partnered with Gina McCarthy for over a decade in our shared mission to defend children’s health and lives from pollution and climate threats. I am grateful for her tireless work as a public servant dedicated to protecting the health of all Americans and applaud her great successes as the first National Climate Advisor.
Today, we celebrate with President Biden, the majority of Americans, and the entire world that the United States is in the process of assuming its position as a global leader on climate change with the signing of The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA marks the single largest investment to address the climate crisis, build community resilience in the face of extreme weather, and defend the health of our children from life-shortening fossil fuel pollution.
With today’s passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) by the US House of Representatives, we are just one signature away from the single largest legislative investment in climate, health, and access to clean energy in American history. As evangelicals, scripture calls us to be good stewards of all God’s creation – this includes both the natural world as well as each other. The IRA opens up new doors and avenues for American families and businesses to do just that.
The Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) applauds Chairwoman Stabenow (D, MI) and her incredible staff for leading the charge to include conservation and climate smart farming provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Today, we celebrate with the majority of Americans and the world that the United States is again assuming its leadership responsibility to address the climate crisis. As the premier medical journal The Lancet states, “Climate change is the greatest global health threat facing the world in the 21st century, but it is also the greatest opportunity to redefine the social and environmental determinants of health.” At the Evangelical Environmental Network, we couldn’t agree more.
As pro-life Christians who believe in the sanctity of life from conception until natural death, EEN supports the EPA’s decision to issue a regulation on ethylene oxide emissions. We are equally encouraged that the EPA has already been working with the industry to reduce emissions and to achieve a life and health-saving standard.
The following is a letter from The Rev. Mitch Hescox, EEN's President and CEO, to Daryl Metcalfe and Greg Vitali, chairs of Pennsylvania's Environmental Resources & Energy Committee about the August 2 committee meeting on Environmental Quality Board regulation #7-544.
With a heavy heart all of EEN mourns the death of our beloved co-founder, Ron Sider. Ron loved Jesus and worked all his life to follow Jesus and live out Jesus’ teaching.
The Evangelical Environmental Network offers high praise to Senate Majority Leader Schumer (D-NY) and Chairman Manchin (D-WV) and their staff for securing the historic agreement that tackles inflation, reduces the deficit, and invests a transformative $369.75 billion in Energy Security and Climate Change through The Inflation Reduction Act Of 2022 (IRA).
While President Biden’s plans to expand offshore wind energy, accelerate America’s transition to clean energy, provide $2.3 billion for communities to build climate-resilient infrastructure, and introduce measures to help cities and states cope with extreme heat are needed and welcome, they are insufficient to meet this moment. That’s why we must also have aggressive, meaningful, bipartisan legislation that will quickly draw down emissions, defend the health of our children, create millions of family-sustaining jobs, and help more communities prepare for the climate impacts of today.
The Supreme Court decision in West Virginia vs. EPA to limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate carbon pollution is a significant blow to God’s children here in the United States and throughout creation.
The following is the written testimony of EEN's Vice President for Science & Policy, The Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman, from the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis hearing entitled "Cutting Methane Pollution: Safeguarding Health, Creating Jobs, and Protecting Our Climate" on June 24, 2022.
EEN is committed to a holistic Biblical approach to caring for life at all stages as equally sacred and worthy of protection. What’s more, we believe the gospel proclaims that grace abounds in brokenness. We will continue to offer God’s grace and share the love and abundant life of Christ with everyone wherever they are, wherever they’ve been, and wherever they’re going.
After decades of fire suppression and the ever-increasing threat of climate change, Giant Sequoias are facing a mortality emergency. The SOS Act will provide land managers with the emergency tools and resources needed to save these remaining ancient wonders from the unprecedented peril threatening their long-term survival.
One of the greatest obstacles to our evangelical community accepting the reality of climate change is the impacts of such change seeming distant and far away. While growing numbers of people experience and recognize climate change through increasingly extreme and erratic weather, our community best relates to climate through understanding the great harm fossil fuel pollution causes to the health of our children, both born and unborn. We begin to accept reality when very real threats are brought into our living rooms and into our lives.
From severe storms and flooding to extreme heat, drought, and wildfires, volatile and unpredictable climate extremes already threaten American families and businesses. The urgency for real solutions to the challenges of climate change is clear – as is the need for all hands on deck. We applaud House Republicans for stepping into the arena with the announcement of the Republican Energy, Climate, and Conservation (ECC) Task Force’s six-point plan.
Today, The Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) submitted 67,755 Comments from Christians to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in support of the “Clean Trucks Standard.”
This guest blog by creative writer and conservation biologist Betsy Painter introduces and explores the concept behind her new book: "A Christian's Guide to Planet Earth."
With the final publication of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) rule on April 23, the table is set for Pennsylvania to start accruing proceeds that could amount to over $200 million every single quarter. It is well past time to move beyond partisan games and to work together for a new, vibrant, bipartisan energy economy for all Pennsylvanians.
