An invitation to people and organizations concerned about the impact of climate change policies on low-income households and communities
The National Consumer Law Center invites you to review the principles of unity for a campaign to prevent the burden of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from falling upon low income people. If you agree, we hope you will add your name or the name of your organization to the list of endorsers of these principles to guide efforts to seek climate change policies that are fair as well as effective.
Why we are raising our voices
This is a period of opportunity and challenge. While we welcome growing attention to the looming catastrophe of global warming, we view with concern plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with measures that will raise energy prices. We know that the resulting pain will be most acute in low-income households and communities already overburdened by soaring fuel costs.
Why now
We call upon advocates, policy makers, legislators and the public to look carefully at each proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to assess its potential impact on low-income consumers and communities.
For example, Congress is currently considering a so-called cap-and-trade plan that would set upper limits on emissions and allow buying and selling of emissions allowances. We note with hope that such a plan could be structured to offset the economic harm to low-income consumers and increase their participation in the fight to save the planet. However, we know from experience that the agendas of more powerful interest groups too often take precedence over the needs of low-income consumers. Only vigilance and political action by low-income consumers and advocates will ensure that the relief and investment needed for low-income households and communities is included in this – or any – legislation to address climate change.
Join us
We welcome the attention and efforts of advocacy groups and legislators that have already spoken out about the need for climate change policies that provide protections for low-income people. At the same time, we know from our experience as advocates for low-income people that such protections must include a commitment to sustain and strengthen funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Weatherization Assistance Program, two key safety nets for low-income households in a time of soaring energy costs.
These principles are the product of discussions with some other advocates for low-income people. If you agree with them, we urge you to contact us to add your name to the list of signers.
