NEWS RELEASE : November 21, 2019
Faith leaders support 100% Clean Economy Act and want bold solutions to address the climate crisis
People of faith and conscience have made it clear we want bold solutions to address the climate crisis. As communities of faith, we hold to the shared values of justice, equity, and stewardship of Creation. Today we have an opportunity to show our support for an important federal legislative solution: The 100% Clean Energy Economy Act.
Rev. Susan Hendershot, President of Interfaith Power & Light, stated: “All faith traditions share a sacred calling to care for the earth, to care for those who are most vulnerable among us, and to act for justice. We support the 100% Clean Energy Economy Act sponsored by Rep. McEachin (VA-4) and co-sponsored by over 100 Representatives. A 100% clean economy will produce net-zero emissions, which is one important step in our path towards reducing the carbon pollution that is creating the climate crisis.”
“Floods, wildfires, and extreme storms made worse by climate change are harming God’s Creation. The 100% Clean Economy Act has a large, growing and diverse list of supporters because it is ambitious and an important step towards a solution to the climate crisis,” said Rev. Doug Bland, Director of Arizona Interfaith Power & Light.
Kendyl Crawford, Director of Virginia Interfaith Power & Light added: “We envision a world that sustainably supports future generations and all forms of life. Given this widely recognized moral imperative, our nation’s federal leaders must take immediate steps to confront the climate crisis and support transitioning our country to a renewable energy economy without leaving any communities behind. The sooner we start, the easier it will be to reach the goal – which is why the bill would require that federal agencies take action within existing laws to immediately begin to move the United States to 100% clean energy across the economy.”
Rev. Alison Cornish, Director of Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light, said: “We are deeply encouraged by this legislation supporting bold climate goals in, and across, all sectors. It represents the moral imagination required by our times, and will provide inspiration to our congregations – and their members – already working to lower their own carbon emissions.”
A majority of Americans are calling for action on climate and already support the transition to a 100% clean energy economy as a tool to address the climate crisis.
NEWS RELEASE : November 18, 2019
“Energy from Heaven”
New Report shows Houses of Worship Leading on Solar
More than 45 Megawatts Installed
Survey by Interfaith Power and Light finds rapid rise in solar use by churches, other religious buildings
— Catholic Diocese of San Diego Leads Nation—
OAKLAND, Calif., 2019 —Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) conducted a new survey to quantify installed solar on congregations in the U.S.—and found a doubling from three years ago. After interviewing hundreds of congregations and partner organizations, the group documented more than 770 faith communities with solar for a combined capacity of 45 megawatts – approaching the installed on-site capacity of major retailers like Kohl’s and Costco.
“We were stunned by the rise. We knew congregations were interested, since we get many requests each week for information and recommendations about solar, but had no idea that solar usage had expanded so rapidly” said IPL President Rev. Susan Hendershot. “It really shows the impact we can have when we act together,” she said.
The Catholic Diocese in San Diego is a national leader, with more solar installed than any other state except for the balance of California. The Diocese has a total of at least 5 MW installed.
“Our solar generating program in the Diocese of San Diego shows the power of doing well by doing good. In his encyclical, Laudato Si, Pope Francis reminds us of our responsibility to care for the Earth as our ‘Common Home.’ Here in San Diego, in addition to our constant efforts to recycle and transition to sustainably sourced products, we’ve installed 51 solar power plants at a number of schools, parishes, and our Diocesan Pastoral Center, ” said Shirley Pajanor, Chief Financial Officer at the Diocese. “That’s good for the environment, but it’s also significantly reduced what we pay for electricity.”
“We are proud that so many faith communities are living out their calling to care for Creation, freeing up resources to invest in their mission, and leading the way to a clean energy future.” Said Rev. Hendershot. “Solar congregations are casting a vision for the kind of world in which they want to live, and then carrying out that vision with practical application.”
Read the full report and see the list of solar congregations by state, here: https://www.interfaithpowerandlight.org/congregational-solar-directory/
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Interfaith Power & Light inspires and mobilizes people of faith and conscience to take bold and just action on climate change. We work through affiliates in 40 states and congregations in all 50 plus Puerto Rico. Contact us to find out more about solar powered congregations in San Francisco and across the U.S.
Visit us online: www.interfaithpowerandlight.org
Twitter: #CoolCongregations @interfaithpower
Facebook: facebook.com/interfaithpowerandlight
