The 1st EPA Endangerment Hearing
On Monday, May 18, the EPA held their fist public hearing on finding global warming an
endangerment to public health and welfare. Faith leaders from Jewish, Muslim, UU, and Christian traditions made their voices heard along with health professionals, scientists, citizens, and James Bond. Pastor Sarah and I got to meet and get this great photo with Keely and Pierce Brosnan during one of the breaks.
Each leader expressed his or her support for the EPA’s finally taking the first steps to regulate global warming emissions and told their own story of why their congregation cares about this issue. Fr. Jacek Orzechowski spoke about his first-generation immigrant parishioners from Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Bangladesh who are low-income and will be the hardest hit by the dire consequences of global climate change. Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, explained that "America has the opportunity to lead again, this time against the terror of climate change." Leaders like Rev. Sarah Scherschligt explained what their congregations are doing to be part of the solutions to global warming, hers just started to purchase 100% wind energy.
We invite you to join them in expressing your support of the EPA by sending in this public comment before June 23rd. Make sure to add your story as well.
Thanks to everyone who came. One Sierra Club Staffer was very impressed by our collective voices. "To hear perspectives from almost every major tradition on the importance of acting on global warming was a powerful experience-- one that the EPA panel was still talking about during one of the breaks."
To read more about the hearing and the faith stars visit:
National Council of Church Eco- Justice
Capital J
Sierra Club Compass
The Barefoot Pastor
Another Chance to Testify
On June 9th the EPA will hold a public hearing on Renewable Fuel Standards in Washington, DC, and we need you to speak out in favor of standards that use sound science to fully account for all contributions to global warming - from fuel production and use to emissions from indirect changes in land use. Additionally we have to make sure these polices protect our most venerable neighbors.
WHAT: Speak up for honestly calculating the global warming impact of the fuels we use.
WHERE: Dupont Hotel, 1500 New Hampshire Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20036 (map).
WHEN: Tuesday, June 9th. The EPA will hear testimony from 10 am - 5 pm.
You Must RSVP to Testify: Contact Julia MacAllister, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Assessment (734) 214–4131 or macallister.julia@epa.gov
Click here for talking points
To learn more about food, fuel, global warming and justice click here.
Congregation in the Spotlight: Congregation Beth El, Bethesda MD
The maintenance staff plays a very important role in making sure your house of worship is sustainable. The Green Tikkun Committee at Beth El has been working hard to educate and honor their maintenance staff in this important work. All staff members have been trained on the recycling program, the composting program, shut down procedures for the building, and how to use the programmable thermostats. To show their gratitude to the staff, Green Tikkun has given these work shirts which emphasize bal tashit or the ethic not to waste .
Upcoming Events
6/6 Building a Green, Clean Energy Future in Northern Virginia Tools for Change Workshop
Please join other Northern Virginians in sending a strong message to the public and our elected officials! Learn the skills needed to bring about change and move our elected officials to work for a healthy planet!
When: Sat Jun6, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: NRECA Building, 4301Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA (Ballston Metro, Parking available)
RSVP: http://www.chesapeakeclimate.org/NOVAclimate
6/22 “Caring for God’s Creation”
Please join us as “Caring for God’s Creation” will gather Christian leaders and clergy from across Virginia to address environmental issues from a faith perspective. As these issues affect the most vulnerable in our country and abroad, people of faith can and should lead in responding to the challenges.
When: June 22, 2009 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Riverside Conference Center 95 Riverside Parkway, Fredericksburg, Va. 22406
RSVP: Erik DuMont (edumont@pewtrusts.org) 202-887-8842
Sponsors: The National Association of Evangelicals, the Pew Environment Group, Evangelical Environmental Network, and the National Audubon Society
Support GWIPL today
You can make a secure online donation at http://www.gwipl.org/support_us.asp. Every dollar helps us to protect creation.
