On May 18, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce began debating a bill to address the negative effects of climate change. The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, H.R. 2454, would establish a “cap and trade” system for reducing greenhouse gas emissions; encourage the use of renewable sources of energy (such as wind, solar, geothermal, and certain forms of hydropower and biofuels); and work to increase energy efficiency in buildings, automobiles, and industrial plants.

If we are to be responsible stewards of creation – a role God has entrusted to us – we must consider not only the short term effects of irresponsible consumption and energy usage, but also the long term effects.

The next day, President Obama announced new federal standards for automobile emissions and fuel economy. The new fuel economy standards will require fleets of new cars and trucks to average 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016, a significant increase over the 2008 requirement of 22.6 mpg.

While U.S. automakers have focused on making bigger and bigger gas guzzlers (and are now receiving bigger and bigger bailouts), Japanese automaker Toyota hasn’t been able to make enough of the hybrid Prius to meet consumer demand for smaller, more fuel efficient cars. Unfortunately, when businesses are focused solely on short-term profits, they often fail to consider what makes the most sense – either ethically or financially – in the long run.

The same is true on climate change. For years, scientists have been warning about the negative effects of human actions on our climate, and yet, for years, the U.S. government has failed to take action.

If we are to be responsible stewards of creation – a role God has entrusted to us – we must consider not only the short term effects of irresponsible consumption and energy usage, but also the long term effects. Owning up to the part we play means not only changing our individual behavior, but also advocating that our government make systemic changes to address the damage we’ve already done and to protect future generations.

As followers of Jesus we are also instructed to care for the most vulnerable in our society.   One way to do this is to urge your legislators to provide assistance to low income households in the U.S. to offset any increase in utility bills that result from the new policies. You can also urge them to provide generous “international adaptation assistance” – assistance to communities around the world who have been negatively impacted by climate change and who may need help making the transition to cleaner sources of energy.

Contact your Representative in the U.S. House today and encourage her/him to uphold the values of responsible stewardship and care for the vulnerable when considering H.R. 2454. (For more detailed talking points, see this sample letter.)

Moving to a cleaner energy economy will not be easy to do and it won’t be accomplished overnight. But because it is difficult does not mean we should sit still and do nothing. The longer we put off significant action, the more costly change will be and the more harm will be done to God’s people and God’s planet.