Washington, DC - U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz released the following statement regarding the release of a papal encyclical on climate change by Pope Francis.

"Pope Francis' call to action on climate change is an important milestone in the global effort on this issue. His is not just a powerful moral voice, he also graduated as a chemical engineer and understands the consensus of climate scientists that accumulating man-made pollution endangers our planet and people around the world. As Pope Francis reminds us, we must push for ambitious and cost-effective solutions that protect us all, including those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Pope Francis should inspire all countries to redouble the deployment of clean energy technologies and energy efficiencies and find the international will to significantly cut global emissions of heat-trapping pollution. I thank Pope Francis for his leadership, and encourage people of all faiths to work toward the common goal of a safer world achieved by universal access to clean and affordable energy."