If enacted, this bill would eliminate nearly every major Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program designed to reduce air pollution and address climate change. It would repeal funding for initiatives that electrify school buses, reduce diesel emissions at ports, monitor air toxins in disadvantaged communities, and mitigate methane emissions. The bill would also rescind funding for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, environmental justice block grants, and school-based environmental health efforts in low-income neighborhoods. It rolls back EPA rules to limit emissions from cars and trucks and accelerates fossil fuel extraction on public lands—including areas like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Of particular concern to Presbyterian congregations, the bill would eliminate the Direct Pay provision of the clean energy tax credits. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, Direct Pay allowed tax-exempt entities—such as churches, schools, and nonprofits—to receive clean energy tax incentives as a refundable credit, even if they owed no federal income tax. This made it possible for small and rural congregations to install solar panels, update HVAC systems, or insulate their buildings without needing to rely on complex, expensive financing. Without Direct Pay, many churches will be effectively shut out of federal clean energy incentives due to high upfront costs and limited access to third-party investors. These changes directly undercut PC(USA)'s ability to live out our environmental commitments.
The Congressional Budget Office warns that while the bill may reduce short-term federal spending, it will result in long-term costs from increased disaster response, public health impacts, and infrastructure damage. Rolling back these programs will disproportionately harm low-income, Indigenous, and Black and Brown communities already bearing the burden of climate injustice.
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has declared a climate emergency and called on the federal government to act justly to protect creation and pursue environmental equity. Our 2022 policy Restoring Creation for Ecology and Justice affirms that environmental degradation and systemic inequality are inseparably linked—and that churches have both a theological and moral responsibility to lead by example in caring for the Earth.
Scripture reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it” (Psalm 24:1). As people of faith, we are called to be stewards of God’s creation and to seek justice for those most harmed by environmental destruction.
We cannot remain silent while Congress threatens to reverse critical progress toward environmental justice and sustainable energy. As Presbyterians committed to creation care and the well-being of future generations, we must raise our voices.
Please urge your Senators to reject the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and any legislation that would repeal clean energy programs and environmental protections.