Ad to run on major talk radio stations during Congressional recess

Today, Catholics United launched a radio ad campaign calling on Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu to withdraw her sponsorship of the Murkowski amendment, which would drastically limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to regulate pollutants. Combating pollution is a major concern for Catholics and most people of faith. Catholics United launched the ad campaign because the actions of Senator Landrieu, a practicing Catholic, stand in clear opposition to the moral priorities of the Catholic faith. The ads will run from February 15th to the 28th on news talk radio in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

“Louisianans want a Senator who will represent the interests of our state and our children, not corporate lobbyists working to roll back pollution laws,” said Fr. Louis Arceneaux, liaison for peace and justice for the religious order Congregation of the Mission in New Orleans. “We call on our fellow Catholic, Senator Mary Landrieu, to do the right thing and withdraw her support for the Murkowski amendment.”

“Despite the Catholic Church’s steadfast opposition to pollution, Senator Mary Landrieu has decided to side with Washington lobbyists and polluters instead of the interests of her constituents," said Chris Korzen, executive director of Catholics United. "Catholics United is deeply disappointed with Senator Mary Landrieu’s actions and we hope and pray that she remove her sponsorship of this odious legislation."

Catholics have a high regard for environmental stewardship. In his January 1 World Peace Day address, Pope Benedict XVI singled out developed nations for not doing all that they can to curb pollution. The Pope himself has taken it upon himself to make the Vatican carbon neutral by installing solar panels and by investing in carbon offsets. Furthermore, according to a 2008 Pew research study, 60% of Catholics believe that “stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost.”

You can listen to the ad here:

Text of the ad:

Catholics believe that all life is sacred.

That’s why we support efforts to protect the environment and keep the air we breathe clean.

Stewardship of the Earth is an important aspect of our faith. So much so that Pope Benedict has made protecting the environment one of his highest priorities.

That’s why I’m confused that Catholic Senator Mary Landrieu has chosen to side with polluters – rather than with Louisiana’s families and children.

Senator Landrieu is cosponsoring legislation that will roll back the Clean Air Act – a law that protects us from polluters putting poison into the air we breathe.

Many religious leaders are saying that Landrieu’s action will undermine one of our country’s greatest health and environmental laws. And they’re urging Senators to oppose it.

Senator Landrieu, it’s time to choose sides.

You can stand for Louisiana’s children and the air they breathe, or you can do the bidding of Washington lobbyists who want to pollute our air?

Call Senator Landrieu at (202) 224 5824. Tell her Louisiana wants a Senator who represents the interests of our children NOT Washington lobbyists.