Democracy and Care for our Earth Depends on Us

STEWARDS OF OUR EARTH

All of God’s Creation

Social Justice Committee, Holy Cross Parish, Mt. Airy, April 26, 2026

As the Pennsylvania primary election approaches on May 19, stay informed about the offices on the ballot. One reliable source is the Committee of Seventy at seventy.org. Organizations that publish non-partisan candidate questionnaires include the League of Women Voters Education Fund.

This year, along with candidates for the U.S. House and governor, every member of Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives and half of the state Senate will be on the ballot.

Important Primary Election Deadlines

Last day to register to vote is May 4, 2026

Last day to request a mail-in ballot is May 12, 2026 at 5pm

Primary Election Day is May 19, 2026 by 8pm

Share with friends and family and encourage them to vote. It may seem overwhelming at times. But every vote matters.

As stewards of our earth, keep environmental issues in mind as you cast your votes.

“Environmental conditions affect food, water, energy, disaster risks, and the economy

everywhere. Throughout history, community involvement has helped shape these

outcomes in many countries. Since the first Earth Day 1970, public action has helped create environmental laws and institutions. These efforts have led to cleaner air and water, better health, and economic benefits in many parts of the world.” (SSJ Center for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, April Digest 2026)

A few ways to take action now.

Protect the Toxic Substances Control Act to protect our water. Contact your Representative here. 

Enacting the Environmental Clean Up and Responsibility Act (ECRA) through passing HB 2178/SB1157 would hold polluters - not taxpayers - accountable for the cost of cleaning up hazardous spills. This should not be optional. Contact your legislators today. (Steve Hvozdovich, Clean Water Action, 4/20/26)

“Utilities are already charging us more in anticipation of data centers that aren’t even built yet…. The Data Center Ratepayer Protection Bill, in addition to key protections against astronomical rate increases, would require that data centers be powered by a significant portion of new, clean energy and would put protections in place to help prevent blackouts.” Urge your state senators to support meaningful guardrails on data centers. (Katie Blume, Conservation Voters of PA, 4/14/26)

“Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and Senators and Congressmen and Government officials but the voters of this country.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt

Comments on this column may be directed to the Social Justice Committee at socialjustice@holycrossphl.org. Click here for column archive.