President Donald J. Trump
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

The Honorable John Thune
Senate Majority Leader
511 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Mike Johnson
The Speaker of the House of Representatives
United States Capitol
Washington, DC 20515

Re: End Fossil Fuel Subsidies and Fossil Gas Expansion – A Moral Imperative

Dear Mr. President, Mr. Speaker and Mr. Majority Leader,

As diverse faith leaders from across the United States, we write with urgency and moral conviction to call on the government to end fossil fuel subsidies and to stop the country’s expansion of fossil gas.

Our religious traditions teach us to be responsible stewards of the earth and to protect the most vulnerable. Yet, every year, the U.S. government provides $20 billion in direct subsidies to the fossil fuel industry through tax breaks, incentives, and other forms of financial support. These subsidies fuel pollution, accelerate climate destruction, and harm frontline communities while enriching corporations that have knowingly contributed to the climate crisis.

In addition, the U.S. is planning a massive expansion of fossil gas (LNG) exports, with projects that could more than double current export capacity by 2030. This expansion would lock in decades of methane emissions, a greenhouse gas 80 times more potent than CO₂ over 20 years. Increased LNG production also drives global fossil fuel dependence, delaying the transition to renewable energy.

At this time in history, fossil fuel subsidies and an LNG expansion are profound moral failures. The impacts of climate change—wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and extreme heat—are devastating communities nationwide. In 2023 alone, the U.S. suffered 28 climate-related disasters, each causing over $1 billion in damages, disproportionately affecting low-income and marginalized communities.

Meanwhile, fossil fuel companies have reported record production and shareholder distributions alongside massive profits. For example, ExxonMobil and Chevron achieved record oil and gas production levels in 2024, earning $33.7 billion and $17.7 billion respectively. Exxon Mobil returned a record $36 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, while Chevron distributed $27 billion, also a record for the company.

It is indefensible that taxpayer dollars continue to prop up an industry with such profits that endangers lives and ecosystems while blocking the transition to clean energy.

In addition to the harm caused by fossil fuel subsidies, increasing LNG production also drives global fossil fuel dependence, delaying the transition to renewable energy. Scientists warn this expansion is incompatible with global climate goals, worsening extreme weather, rising sea levels, and ecosystem collapse. Instead of expanding fossil fuels, the U.S. must invest in clean energy to prevent catastrophic climate impacts.

The faith community stands for truth and for justice. Climate change is a grave threat to present and future generations, not a scam or a hoax. Public tax dollars should uplift those who suffer, not subsidize corporate greed. Every dollar spent on fossil fuel subsidies is a dollar diverted from renewable energy investment, climate adaptation, and the well-being of future generations. Instead of supporting polluters, Congress must invest in clean energy solutions that create jobs, lower energy costs, and protect our planet.

Our faiths call us to be caretakers, not destroyers. References to faith are a consistent feature of the government’s justification for its policies. It is time to align our policies with our values. We call on you to champion legislation that eliminates fossil fuel subsidies, ends LNG expansion, and redirects funds toward a just and sustainable future.

The moral choice is clear—protecting life, not prolonging and increasing harm.

Sincerely,