Letter to the OPPD Board of Directors

Dear OPPD Board of Directors and Leadership,

As participants in the Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation, we write today out of concern for the health of our neighbors in North Omaha, the integrity of God’s creation, and our shared future. Grounded in faith, we believe that care for our common home is a sacred duty. Our community (I might add that the whole earth) is struggling with environmental harm. 

North Omaha has carried the burden of coal pollution from the North Omaha Station for generations. Despite plans for retirement, coal burning continues until at least 2026, exposing residents to toxic emissions. This is a matter of public health and environmental justice. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂), fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅), and ground-level ozone are linked to asthma, heart attacks, strokes, and premature death. These risks are well-documented, and North Omaha’s asthma rates remain nearly triple the state average.

We respectfully urge OPPD to:

• Accelerate the transition away from coal and ensure no further delays in retiring the North Omaha Station's coal-burning units.

• Publicly commit to a just transition, including protections for workers.

• Continue and expand transparency and community engagement in North Omaha, including regular reporting on emissions, accessible public forums, and partnerships with local health and environmental groups.

The Scriptures and Catholic Social Teaching remind us that we are called to serve as stewards of creation. In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis taught us “integral ecology” that recognizes the inseparable link between environmental degradation and human suffering. Our pilgrimage is both spiritual and public. It is an expression of hope, solidarity, and a call to action. We call on you to walk with us toward clean air and environmental justice.

In hope and faith,

The Pilgrims of Hope for Creation - The Historic 24th Street Family of Parishes