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:

The Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) thanks the EPA for finalizing these plans to increase and support public engagement in the decision-making process. The voices of our families are critical to ensuring a safe, healthy future for God’s creation and our children. Individuals and their communities are the best people to speak about local concerns that have lasting impacts on our health and wellbeing. 

Millions of evangelical Christians have joined EEN in submitting public comments, testifying at EPA hearings, or writing opinion pieces on the importance of caring for God’s creation and defending the health and lives of all God’s children. We are thankful that the EPA is deepening their efforts to listen to and ensure that communities have the opportunity to comment on proposals and shape solutions for a healthier, more vibrant future for everyone. We look forward to continuing to engage in this process while ensuring that local communities have the opportunity to have their voices heard.