Whereas Scripture consistently affirms that Christians are to love their neighbor, seek justice for the less powerful, and care for God's Creation, and,

Whereas the burning of fossil fuels by humanity is the major cause of air pollution, acid rain, and the threat of climate change, and contributes significantly to water pollution, and,

Whereas the resulting harm to humanity and to the rest of creation violates Christian values, and,

Whereas every step away from air pollution, water pollution, and global climate change is a step towards justice and the God of justice, and,

Whereas biblical justice requires that we not only seek to prevent harm, but that we strive to ensure that everyone has the resources to live the life God intends for them, and,

Whereas in the next several decades the peoples of the less developed countries will be seeking to enhance their lives by increasing their use of energy,

Be it therefore Resolved, that the Christian Environmental Council, meeting on St. Simons Island, Georgia, October 24, 1999, calls upon the citizens of the United States, especially its government and business leaders, to work to create a sustainable energy future. We urge that policies and practices be put in place now to increase energy efficiency, reduce the consumption of fossil fuels, and increase the use of creation-friendly renewable energy. Further, we request that the United States make its creation-friendly technologies readily available to the less developed countries of God's Earth. Finally, we endorse the Earth Day 2000 Clean Energy Agenda and urge government leaders to implement it on behalf of all of Christ's Creation.

Earth Day 2000 agenda
The choice is clear: we can meet our energy needs without threatening our children's future. The Earth Day Clean Energy Agenda outlines common-sense ways to mobilize American ingenuity and resources for a rapid transition to renewable energy sources. It will eliminate energy waste, phase out fossil fuels and nuclear power, and help the United States lead the world into a sustainable energy future.

CLEAN POWER: In the next decade, increase four-fold the amount of energy obtained from non-hydro renewable sources such as the sun and wind. By 2020, produce at least one-third of the nation's energy from renewable sources, and double the efficiency of energy use in homes,
buildings, transportation, and industry.

CLEAN AIR: Clean up our power plants by setting progressively tighter limits on all power plant pollution — including carbon dioxide, the major cause of global warming. Close the loophole that allows old coal-fired power plants to pollute much more than newer plants.

CLEAN CARS: Hold sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks and mini-vans to the same air pollution standards as cars. Improve the fuel efficiency of new cars and light trucks to a combined average of 45 MPG by 2010 and at least 65 MPG by 2020. Offer incentives that build strong markets for renewable fuels and for clean vehicles powered by hybrid motors and fuel cells.

CLEAN INVESTMENTS: Quadruple federal investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency within five years, and continue this momentum over the long term. Stop spending taxpayer dollars to subsidize the coal, oil, and nuclear industries. Provide adequate resources and job training for affected workers and communities to ensure a just transition to a sustainable energy economy.

For more information on evangelical perspectives on energy, see:

•  The Evangelical Environmental Network’s "What Would Jesus Drive?" campaign
• A Statement of Concern on Climate Change and the Need for Clean Energy