News Releases from Region 06

White House Honors New Mexico Faith Leader for Climate Champions of Change

DALLAS - (July 21, 2015) The White House recently recognized Sister Joan Brown of Albuquerque, N.M., as a "Champion of Change" for her efforts in protecting the environment and communities from the effects of climate change.

The Champion of Change event featured remarks by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) administrator Gina McCarthy and senior advisor to the President, Brian Deese. They honored Sister Brown and 11 other Americans who have demonstrated clear leadership across the United States and around the world through their grassroots efforts to green their communities and educate others on the moral and social justice implications of climate change.

The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature individuals doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities.

"We are excited to recognize extraordinary people of faith, from across the country, who are acting on climate to protect our planet from harmful climate change impacts," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "Many of our faith leaders understand that it is our moral obligation to help preserve a healthy planet for generations to come, and are heeding President Obama's call for community-led climate efforts."

Sister Joan Brown is a Franciscan Sister from the Rochester, Minnesota Franciscan Community and is the executive director of New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light (NMIPL). NMIPL works to educate and inspire faith communities and individuals; engage them in energy efficiency, renewable energy and local food; and works with people of faith to emphasize the moral implications of various public policy concerns at the local, state, and federal levels. Sister Joan has worked for decades in the areas of justice, peace, and integrity of creation in the southwest. She also works with the Partnership for Earth Spirituality, is an OXFAM Sister Ambassador on the Planet, serves on the national IPL board, and writes for various publications including as a monthly contributor to National Catholic Reporter's Global Sister's report.

The event was streamed live on the White House website. To watch this event live, visit: www.whitehouse.gov/live.

To learn more about the White House Champions of Change program, visit www.whitehouse.gov/champions.

Follow the conversation at #WHChamps.

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