A group of 70 Catholic and Evangelical leaders together with 450 Christians appealed with President-elect Donald Trump through an open letter to reconsider his Environmental Protection Agency pick of Scott Pruit.
Trump's EPA pick drew attention from around the globe because of Pruitt's known stand against the existence of climate change. It was criticized by scientists who claimed that the choice of Trump will revoke any ongoing efforts to save the environment and repeal attempts to nullify the dangers of climate change.
Evangelical leaders stated their support the first time Trump announced Pruitt as the administrator of EPA. They declared in a letter to Trump that Pruitt is 'well-qualified' for the position and that he is fully capable to lead EPA. They believed that Pruitt has been "misrepresented as denying 'settled science,' when he has actually called for a continuing debate." They added that it has been "the very best tradition of science."
"We do not deny the existence of climate change nor the urgency of this concern. We affirm an ongoing debate on the proper balance between the unleashing of human enterprise and the protection of creation. We call for justice, righteousness, and compassion in every dimension of our national life, including our government."
However, several evangelical leaders do not support this claim. In another open letter to Trump, they stated the need to reconsider and withdraw Pruitt as the administrator of EPA. The signatories include CEO of Evangelical Environmental Network, Rev. Mitchell C. Hescox, and Executive Vice-President of Evangelical Environmental Network, Rev. Dr. Jim Ball.
"Caring for God's creation is a matter of life and our faith compels us to act, especially to reduce pollution. We have made important progress while our economy has continued to grow, but there is vital work still to be done," the letter stated.
It cited several verses in the Bible that highly emphasize the responsibility of humans to care for the environment as God's will. The verses cited include Psalm 72:13, Mt.25, Gen 1:28, and Gen 2:15. The letter also emphasized the dangers of climate change and global warming that currently affect the lives of the people.
"The EPA Administrator plays a crucial role in defending all of us from the health consequences of pollution, especially vulnerable populations like the unborn, children, the elderly, those with heart and lung conditions, and others with special susceptibilities. Mr. Pruitt's past actions suggest he would not defend the vulnerable from pollution."
