White House Engages Faith Leaders To Advance Clean Energy And Climate Goals

The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) hosted its inaugural White House Faith Leaders Convening on Climate, Clean Energy, and Environmental Justice, bringing together faith leaders and representatives from faith-based organizations nationwide. This event marked a significant moment of collaboration between the Biden-Harris Administration and the faith community, focusing on advancing President Biden’s climate, clean energy, and environmental justice objectives.

The convening aimed to explore how faith leaders can leverage their unique positions to engage their communities in climate action and clean energy initiatives. A key highlight was the introduction of Direct Pay, a provision from the Inflation Reduction Act. This provision allows tax-exempt entities, including houses of worship, to access federal clean energy tax incentives, fostering broader participation in the clean energy transition.

Faith leaders were recognized for their potential to bridge gaps and mobilize communities, providing crucial information and resources necessary for promoting a fair and sustainable energy future. The event underscored the importance of meaningful community engagement in advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s climate goals.

The gathering featured remarks from prominent administration officials, including Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality; John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy; and Ali Zaidi, Assistant to the President and White House National Climate Advisor. Other notable participants included Melissa Rogers, Director of the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, and Ronnie Newman, Senior Advisor for Inflation Reduction Act Implementation at the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Faith leaders and representatives from across the country, including Michelle Moore of Groundswell, Bekah Estrada of Interfaith Power and Light Southern California, and Reverend Kevin W. Earley of Community Church Atlanta, shared their experiences and best practices in utilizing Direct Pay and other federal resources. Their success stories highlighted the impactful role that faith-based organizations can play in driving clean energy adoption and environmental justice.

The Biden-Harris Administration reiterated its commitment to partnering with faith leaders and houses of worship to enhance outreach, reduce energy costs for families, bolster climate resilience, and promote environmental justice. The administration aims to continue fostering these collaborations to build a sustainable and inclusive clean energy future.