California Interfaith Power & Light

Our Faith, Our Planet, Our Responsibility.

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First Quarter Action – Events, Campaigns, New Members and More

The first quarter of 2018 proved to be a busy one for CIPL member congregations, staff and steering committee members. Indeed, 2018 has already shown that climate change is here, its effects are being felt in a number of ways in California and around the globe, and that the faith community is responding with ever-greater urgency. Here’s a sampling:

GL Hodge receives an award for his work at the San Francisco Interfaith Council celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Monday, January 16, the San Francisco Interfaith Council, one of CIPL’s partners, held a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. event entitled “The Urgency of Now.” This phrase refers to Dr. King’s popular and ever-timely phrase, We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there “is” such a thing as being too late. This is not a time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.

At this event, several prominent people were recognized for their leadership in pressing justice issues. One was GL Hodge, a CIPL Steering Committee member, who has been a force for youth and the faith community, especially from the Bayview Hunters Area of San Francisco. GL, in addition to his many efforts on climate and community protection, spear-headed the energy-efficiency and solar energy upgrade for Providence Baptist Church in San Francisco.

A coalition of folks from the faith, public health, equity, labor, policy and environmental sectors demanded that the EPA keep the Clean Power Plan in place.

On February 28, the federal Environmental Protection Agency held one of three listening sessions in San Francisco, ahead of its plan to repeal the Clean Power Plan, a program that, over the last five years, has received wide support from multiple sectors including tireless advocacy from the faith community. The majority of folks at the San Francisco session overwhelmingly demanded the Clean Power Plan be kept in place, in light of the fact that it will save tens of thousands of lives, prevent countless incidents of respiratory and cardiac illnesses, and create jobs, all while decreasing the U.S.’s pollution output by one third by 2030.

CIPL staff and supporters turned out to provide public comments, support a press conference and rally, and coordinated an interfaith prayer vigil on behalf of Creation and all people impacted by pollution and climate change. CIPL’s new president, Rev. Susan Hendershot Guy, summed up the feelings of many in the faith community with her statement, “Thousands of clergy and communities of faith from around the country have been working tirelessly for many years in support of the Clean Power Plan. Now we are coming together on the day of the San Francisco hearing to pray for those who are most vulnerable in our society, and those most impacted by climate change and its impacts. May the leadership in the EPA hear those prayers, and be guided by wisdom in their mission to protect human health and the environment.”

February 28 also witnessed a multitude of organizations from the faith, equity, public health, policy and environmental sectors coming together for the Green California Symposium in Sacramento. Excellent networking and preparations for 2018 were the order of the day, including: pressing 2018 legislation and ballot propositions; “best practices” for advocacy; and methods for continuing the transition to clean energy.

On March 4 in Claremont, CIPL Steering Committee member Mohammad Hoda was a presenter in a workshop entitled “Eco-Justice: Equity and Wellbeing in an Ecological Age.” Mohammad, who advises the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California on environment issues, and who lends his energy-efficiency expertise to Southland mosques, serves on the board of an upcoming international Muslim climate change mitigation effort called the Global Muslim Climate Network (GMCN.) The workshop in Claremont was one of a long series of events involving Dr. John Cobb, a noted theologian, and inspiration for several sustainability groups implementing real-life strategies to reduce pollution and build resilient communities.

On Wednesday, March 7, CIPL staff and intern, Allis Druffel and Emmanuel Nunez attended their first Watts Clean Air and Energy Task Force, held at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Watts. They were greeted warmly and given time to talk about the work of CIPL and the Low-Income Weatherization Program. In this meeting, Pastor Larry Dozier outlined his vision for St. John’s: to be an oasis in the desert, providing resources for the Watts community, and to be a beacon of light in terms of sustainability. Plans include energy efficiency upgrades, solar energy, and charging stations. St. John’s has already hosted an EV Ride ‘n’ Drive and undergone LADWP’s Direct Install program, with plans for an Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 21 and another EV Ride ‘n’ Drive during National Drive Electric Week.

Two scientists from JPL presented an overview of the latest science of global temperature rise in Pasadena.

On March 24, CIPL was a co-sponsor of the “7th Annual Climate Change Forum: What will happen when global temperature rises?” Held at CIPL member congregation First United Methodist Church in Pasadena, the event featured two climate scientists from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, bringing their views on the latest science from the oceanography and ice/glacier fields. One topic of conversation was the Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO-2), launched into space in 2014, which measures hot spots of carbon dioxide around the globe as well as collecting other important data. OCO-3 is being built now and expected to launch in the next two years.

Throughout the first quarter, CIPL intern Emmanuel Nunez continued his work on the Low-Income Weatherization Project. This campaign, funded by auction proceeds, offers regionally- and income-qualified households an array of free energy- and water-efficiency upgrades. The house may be rented or owned and must be a stand-alone dwelling or part of a duplex or four-plex. It is an excellent way for residents to reduce energy and water and save money, all while protecting Creation. While this program is state-wide, CIPL is an outreach partner in the Los Angeles County area. If you live in the Los Angeles area, click here to see if you qualify.

We have updated portions of our website and have included a tab for Videos and Celebrations. Check out inspiring videos of CIPL member congregations in action, feel free to share them with others, and please let us know of your efforts to protect all of Creation.

We welcome our new members. Drop them a line and share the eco-love!
St. John’s United Methodist Church, Watts
Peninsula Jewish Community Center, Foster City
Lafayette Baha’i Faith
First United Methodist Church of Pasadena
Redding Zen Buddhist Priory
Or Shalom Jewish Community, San Francisco

Advocacy Opportunities:
Faith Climate Action Week – resources for Earth Week 2018 – sign up here
Paris: We’re Still In – for more info and to sign, go here
Save Critical Federal Methane Standards – more info and sign here

 

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2018: Vital Action Opportunities, Hopeful Reflections

Action Opportunities:

 

Wrap-Up of 2017 California Legislative Advocacy:

(from left) Rev. Ambrose Carroll, Jo Ann Anderson, Yolanda Park, and Rabbi Oren Postrel In Sacramento Capitol Aug 22, 2017.

The recognition of present and future dangers is a true catalyst for action. CIPL and the California faith community have understood this for years and it is based on the increasing danger to health and our planet that we act. As the climate crisis takes on a greater sense of urgency, people of faith are lowering pollution emissions, educating communities and advocating for strong and binding climate policy that will protect our future.

As we enter into 2018, California’s legislative agenda holds challenges leftover from 2017, as well as new opportunities to strengthen climate protections, and remain an example to our nation and the world. Some of the principles that underlay our action were raised in CIPL’s August, 2017 lobby day and training the evening before. Fifteen people, from various faith traditions and regions of the state, shared their story of what brought them into the environmental realm, reflected on best ways to reach others, and did some soul-searching. Rabbi Marv Goodman, former director of the Northern California Board of Rabbis, led a discussion based on a popular saying by Rabbi Tarfon, which reads, “It is not your responsibility to finish the work of perfecting the world, but you are not free to desist from it either.”

Rabbi Marv Goodman leads a discussion at the August Sacramento Lobby Day prep session.

Asked for individual interpretations of this phrase from attendees, the following thoughts came forward: ‘even though a system may be unsteady, we are called to keep building’; ‘in the ultimate vision or goal for a livable planet, we all have a piece to construct’; ‘real living is in the struggle – we don’t have a choice not to participate.’ A word of caution also arose – to not feel so overwhelmed by a situation that one feels that they can’t do anything. There is always the opportunity for inclusion, for true efforts and for change no matter the circumstance. 

Through these valuable statements and further reflection, the group came to a common agreement that, for true change to take place, we must work on changing ourselves. As one participant put it, “I’m changing the world because I’m changing myself.” Indeed, when others see that external action for change is reflected in the person himself or herself, there is greater credibility to inspire others. Many major faith traditions understand this principle, which is the basis for true and right relationships with ourselves, others, and our planet.

(from left) Allis Druffel, Rabbi Jonathan Klein, Rabbi Oren Postrel, Assemblymember Quirk-Silva, Yolanda Park, and Rev. Ambrose Carroll at August Sacramento Lobby Day.

Armed with a renewed sense of purpose, communal strength, and the latest information about legislators and bills, faith advocates attended 39 meetings, focused on garnering legislative support for our priority legislation: SB 100, which would have 100% of electrical energy be from renewable sources by 2045; SB 49, which would have California continue to abide by existing federal environmental and worker safety guidelines, despite new policies from the current Administration; AB 17, which expands free public transit passes to students; AB 179, which would mandate that at least one of the nine members of the California Transportation Commission have direct experience with disadvantage communities; and AB 1082 and AB 1083, which aims to expand EV Charging Stations and infrastructure in public lands and at schools.

Of this legislation, all but SB 100 passed both houses and AB 17 was vetoed by Governor Brown.

In an unexpected turn of events, (though not uncommon for the last two weeks of the legislative session), opposition arose to SB 100. Despite a great deal of support for the bill which would greatly expand California’s renewable energy, create jobs, clean the air and fight climate change, the IBEW Local 1245 came out against it mainly with concerns about job protection for union workers.

As we enter 2018, opportunities for crucial action abound on the local, state and national levels.

In the Golden State, efforts to pass SB 100, now a two-year bill, will continue. On a local level, CIPL and affiliates are involved in a number of issues. One notable effort is in Los Angeles, spear-headed by STAND-LA (Standing Together Against Neighborhood Drilling.) This coalition of environmental justice, faith, public health, housing and community groups, including CIPL, is continuing a multi-year effort to close oil drilling sites that are in proximity to schools and residential areas. One such site is the Allenco drilling site, which has been linked to numerous health issues and which sits on land owned by the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

At the national level, there are several campaigns that continue the US’s commitment to a clean energy future but which are being opposed by the current administration. The “We’re Still In” campaign demonstrates the American people’s commitment to the Paris Agreement despite our nation now being the holdout in supporting it officially.

You, as a person of faith bringing the principles of caring for the common good into the political realm, are encouraged to review, sign on, and share with others any campaigns you are involved in and any online petitions you have signed on to. Please let us know of local efforts that you are involved in that need more support.

Some active campaigns to check out:

 

 

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Air Quality Fact Sheet – What to Know About Bay Area Air Quality

What is an Air Quality Management District?

An Air Quality Management District is a legislative body which drafts and passes laws regarding air quality and pollutants in the area. In California, there are 22 Air Quality Management Districts, each staffed by a group of elected officials appointed to serve on the board.

 

How does the BAAQMD operate?

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has control over the 9 counties of the greater Bay Area, and is composed of 24 elected officials from the various counties. During their biweekly meetings, the Air District’s Board of Director discusses rules and regulations, which pass with a majority vote. In addition to their regular meetings, the BAAQMD has programs to involve the community in issues relating to air quality, such as the Community Air Risk Evaluation Program.

 

What are issues that the BAAQMD is currently discussing?

Until recently, the BAAQMD was largely focused on issues relating to toxins in the atmosphere, and did not have nearly as much influence on policy regarding greenhouse gas emissions. However, many constituents and elected officials feel that greenhouse gases and air quality must be discussed in tandem, given the importance of these emissions to air quality, but also to the various other functions of industry, agriculture, and business in the Bay Area. To this end, on May 31st, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Air District passed Regulation 12, Rule 16 to cap greenhouse gas emissions from the 5 oil refineries in the district. However, due to discrepancies regarding feasibility of this legislation between the Air District’s Board members and staff, the Board decided to postpone its vote on this legislation until September 2017.

 

How does Bay Area air quality compare to California and the United States?

According to a recent report by the American Lung Association, the Bay Area ranks among the worst regions in the United States for air quality. The region is listed as sixth worst for short-term spikes in particulate matter, and fourth worst for year-round totals. This is due to a combination of factors, including the hordes of carbon-emitting automobiles and oil refineries, combined with the drier, hotter weather California regularly experiences. Although the five-year drought came to an end this past winter, a representative from the ALA said that dry, hot weather may become the new normal.

 

What are the main sources of pollution?

As noted by the BAAQMD, one of the primary stationary industrial sources of air pollution are the five oil refineries in the Air District. However, a variety of other factors are also influencing our air quality currently, including transportation and agriculture. In Contra Costa county, 25% of emissions are due to agriculture in the eastern parts of the county, primarily through cattle emitting methane and trucks used for transportation.

 

How has air quality affected health and other issues in the Bay Area?

In the parts of the Bay Area more affected by toxic air pollutants, air quality has already taken a toll on people’s health. Especially in areas like Richmond, Pittsburg, and Martinez, where constituents have already had lifetime exposure to pollutants, public health is suffering immensely. In Contra Costa county in 2014, there were 49.5 emergency room visits per 10,000 people due to asthma alone. In part, this is due to lack of adequate access to health care, combined with consistent exposure to pollutants. Many of the communities suffering most are low-income communities of color.

 

What can people of faith do to get involved?

Air quality and greenhouse gas emissions are both important issues which influence our climate, our health, and Creation as a whole. That’s why it is important that people of faith get involved to represent our beliefs. In the Bay Area, air quality is an issue not only pertaining to the well-being of our health and the environment, but also one which pertains to social justice and the organization of our society. As people of color are more directly influenced by air quality in our district, it is important that we represent the issues of equality and justice as well.

 

Thank you to Jan Warren and Rev. Will McGarvey for providing useful information for this fact sheet.

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2016 Cool Climate Awards Celebrates Faith Advocacy and Action

Members Christ Church United Methodist, Santa Rosa were honored for Energy Efficiency and Conservation.

Read about the inspiring work of all the awardees and check out photos of them in action. View videos featuring 2016 Cool Climate Award winners here.

California Interfaith Power & Light held its 10th annual awards ceremony at Oakland’s Beebe Memorial Cathedral last night, and the feeling of interfaith solidarity in the room was palpable. CIPL members from Islamic, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist and Unitarian communities shared food, offered prayers and celebrated climate care and advocacy work being done by congregations all over California from Humboldt County to El Cajon.

­CIPL’s annual awards ceremonies are always special, but this year’s gathering came at a time when many, especially climate-minded voters, are feeling discouraged following the results of the 2016 election. Many expressed profound concern and anxiety about the state of public discourse, the rise of intolerance and the devastating implications of any weakening in U.S. climate leadership.

from left: Awardees Rev. Ken Chambers of West Side Missionary Baptist Church; Venerable Anandabodhi and Venerable Santacitta from Aloka Vihara Forest Monastery.
from left: Awardees Rev. Ken Chambers of West Side Missionary Baptist Church; Venerable Anandabodhi and Venerable Santacitta from Aloka Vihara Forest Monastery.

Attendees were encouraged to deepen their commitment to environmental justice by becoming more engaged, especially at the local level, where important climate policy and green job victories are possible. Focus on faith communities’ moral responsibility to raise consciousness about threats to the common good and to practice care for local and global neighbors was a common theme throughout the evening.

The Cool Climate Awards began with the sharing of a Sioux prayer offered in support of Standing Rock by Rev. Dr. Ambrose Carroll of Church by the Side of the Road in Berkeley and founder of Green the Church. Emcee the Hon. Doug Linney, national IPL Board member facilitated the presentation of awards to congregations for their work in Green Building, Climate Advocacy, Climate Education, Energy Efficiency and Conservation. This year’s awards also included a Climate Luminary and Green Retreat Center. Honorees came from diverse faith traditions and from all over California. Presenters of the awards included CIPL Steering Committee members Rabbi Marvin Goodman, Executive Director of the Northern California Board of Rabbis; Juana Torres of the Sierra Club and volunteer with the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles; and G.L. Hodge, co-chair of the San Francisco Interfaith Council.

left, Clando Brownlee, Jr, received honor as Climate Luminary from GL Hodge, co-chair of the San Francisco Interfaith Council and CIPL Steering Committee member
left, Clando Brownlee, Jr, received honor as Climate Luminary from GL Hodge, co-chair of the San Francisco Interfaith Council and CIPL Steering Committee member

Among the highlights of the evening, one stood out in particular: the video of and words from Rev. Ken Chambers, pastor of West Side Missionary Baptist Church in Oakland. This congregation, along with numerous faith communities and organizations, engaged in an historic two-year struggle that ultimately defeated a proposal to bring coal from Utah into an export terminal in Oakland. The defeat of this project was more than just one regional success; it epitomized the local and global demand for climate justice and a just transition to clean energy. West Side Missionary, along with many other East Bay CIPL member congregations are continuing to work together for green jobs and climate resilient communities. In accepting the award for Climate Advocacy, Rev. Chambers stated, “West Side Baptist Church was a vessel to be used but the campaign would not have happened without everyone that played a part.” Referencing the broadly shared feelings of post-election uncertainty, he added, “In lieu of our present, political dynamics, if we ever worked together before, we surely must work together now.”

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California Interfaith Power & Light
369 Pine Street, Suite 700
San Francisco, CA 94104
Phone: (415) 391-4214
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Phone: (310) 752-3436)

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