As Reform Jews, our concern for environmental justice is clearly derived from our deep concern for justice, civil rights, and a clean environment. Our tradition has always championed equal protection under the law, regardless of one's economic status or racial background. As the Torah teaches, "do not subvert the rights of your needy" (Exodus 23:6); "do not favor the poor or show deference to the rich" (Leviticus 19:15). This is because all humans are created b'tzelem Elohim, and, since we are all equally God's children, we should all equitably share in the bounty — and travails — of the earth. Some other texts that support our environmental justice efforts include:

"The human being was placed in the Garden of Eden to till it and to tend it."
— Genesis 2:15

"You shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor."
— Leviticus 19:16

"The land must not be sold beyond reclaim, for the land is Mine;
you are but strangers resident with Me."
— Leviticus 25:23

"Therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live."
— Dueteronomy 30:20

"The advantage of land is paramount; even a king is subject to the soil."
— Ecclesiastes 5:8

RAC Legislative Agenda for the First Session of the 107th Congress

RAC Legislative Agenda for the Second Session of the 106th Congress

Legislative Agenda for the First Session of the 106th Congress

For More Information

To learn more, contact RAC Legislative Assistant Jacob Fain at jfain@rac.org, or visit the following websites:

The US Environmental Protection Agency

The Nuclear Information Resource Service

The Institute for Energy and Environmental Research

Public Citizen’s Critical Mass Energy Project