California Interfaith Power & Light

Our Faith, Our Planet, Our Responsibility.

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Climate Policy in Sacramento Impacted by Faith Voice

Faith advocates Jim Cramer, Allis Druffel, Jennifer Shannon and Barbara Smith-Thomas meet with Allie Umemoto of Asm Member Berman’s office June 22.

CIPL and faith advocates around the state held 32 virtual Senate and Assembly meetings on June 21 & 22 in regards to pressing environmental equity and climate bills. Priority bills were: SB 54 (Allen) – reduction of single-use plastics; SB 1482 – installation of EV charging for every parking space at new multifamily dwellings; AB 30 – Access to Nature expanding outdoor educational opportunities for all; AB 2076 – establish the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program; and and AB 2649 – the Natural Carbon Sequestration and Resilience Act of 2022.

The meetings inspired many good discussions with office staff and opened the door to future discussions after the July recess. The 2022 California legislative session ends on August 31, at which point all bills must pass both houses.

As of June 30, all five bills have survived: SB 54 passed the Assembly Floor on June 29, is in Assembly for concurrence of new amendments, and added several new co-authors; SB 1482 passed the Housing & Community Development Committee on June 29, and is referred to Asm Appropriations Committee; AB 30 passed Senate Appropriation on June 20; AB 2076 passed both Senate Environmental Quality and Sen Health Committees and will be heard in Senate Appropriations on August 1; and AB 2649 passed both Senate Natural Resources & Water and Sen Environmental Quality, and has been referred to Senate Appropriations.

A grateful “shout out” goes to the three dozen faith advocates that made the meetings a success. Their commitment, determination, and passion for lessening the climate crisis dictated the tone and guidance of Senate and Assembly votes. Advocates came from all regions of the Golden State, and especially from the following organizations: Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Stockon; Peninsula Interfaith Climate Action Network, Marin Interfaith Climate Action Network, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angles Faith & Ecology Network. Thank you!

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Rallies Urge Governor Newsom: Keep Rooftop Solar – and Jobs – Strong!

Many hundreds of solar workers and supporters showed up in the heart of downtown L.A.

Solar job workers, solar companies, and supporters showed up in large numbers on Thursday telling Governor Newsom to protect the growth of local rooftop solar.

Last year, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) heard from large state utilities PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E, as well as long-time advocates for local solar expansion about their upcoming proposed changes to Net Metering NEM 2.0. Solar advocates, including faith and climate justice leaders, supported continuation of a strong payment for solar customers for electricity fed into the grid and no monthly fee for solar customers. The Big 3, instead, supported less local rooftop solar and more investment to go into large-scale remote solar installations that require a greater demand on production and transmission.

In December, despite a massive amount of letters, calls, and public hearings, the CPUC issued a proposed decision to impose a tax on solar customers, and drastically reduce the repayment rate for energy sent to the grid. If passed at the next CPUC meeting on January 27, this would place a significant obstacle to future solar installations and penalize current solar customers.

Solar workers and a four-legged supporter at Thursday’s solar rally.

CIPL has been active with this campaign for almost a year for many reasons: one, keeping rooftop solar incentives strong speeds the transition to clean energy and our response to climate change; two, rooftop solar is now possible not just for the wealthy, but for households in under-served communities and all houses of worship; and three, the expansion of local solar has created tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, often for folks from communities faced with high rates of poverty and unemployment.

Thus far, CIPL’s solar petition has garnered almost one thousand signatures, the most from any campaign in CIPL’s history. It has taken its campaign nationwide as well, getting sign-ons from both California and national faith organizations that have seen attacks on local solar in many other states.

On Thursday, Jan 13, in San Francisco and Los Angeles, rallies were held demanding that Governor Newsom step in and stop the CPUC’s dangerous proposal. In Los Angeles, almost one thousand fully-masked solar supporters turned out. Speakers from the faith, solar jobs, and policy sectors inspired the crowd while shouts of “Save Solar Jobs” rang through. The rally then took to the streets, winding down to the CPUC’s Los Angeles office, and then back again to Grand Park for food trucks and further conversation. The feeling of excitement and energy was palpable, further strengthening the commitment of those present to keep solar expansion strong in the Golden State.

A final decision from the CPUC is due on January 27. To date, Governor Newsom has made non-committal remarks on the proposed decision saying that “changes need to be made.” Details are few and many in California – including the faithful – are anxiously awaiting what transpires.

If you’d like to take action, sign on to CIPL’s solar petition to Governor Newsom. Stay tuned for more!

 

The L.A. Solar Rally gathered across from the L.A. CPUC office demanding local solar be kept strong.

 

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COP26: What happened, what needs to happen

Representatives from all faith traditions were present at COP26, including Franciscan Friars.

The global faith community was active and influential in the recent Conference of Parties 26 in Glasgow, Scotland. Faith representatives from the U.S., including those from Interfaith Power & Light, were on hand to witness, advocate, and learn from our brothers and sisters around the world most affected by a changing climate.

The faith community took its lead from those countries that, despite being the least responsible for climate, are being affected disproportionately by it. The demand to keep global temperature rise to 1.5 Celsius, was a common meme. Simon Kofe, the Foreign Minister of Tuvalu delivered his address from the South Pacific sea – a dramatic image that signified the damage from sea level rise. Rev. Cindy Crane, Director of the Lutheran Public Policy in Wisconsin, wrote about Loss and Damage, a huge talking point for vulnerable countries.

And issues such ending fossil fuel subsidies were a topic of discussion. Steve Trent, founder and CEO of Environmental Justice Foundation wrote in his article, “Continuing subsidies for planet-destroying industries locks us into the economic models we need to leave behind, stranding assets and finance which could otherwise be used to start a surge of sustainable green jobs.”

Rev. Vy Nguyen, Rev. Susan Hendershot, and Al Gore at COP26

Rev. Vy Nguyen, IPL Board Member and Executive Director for Week of Compassion, stated in a blog his desire for the U.S. to move from assistance to systemic change: “From Bosnia and Herzegovina to Puerto Rico, we help families to thrive through renewable technologies. From Honduras to Indonesia to Liberia and Sierra Leone, we support food security through sustainable agriculture. In these places, and in so many others, we work with partners to help empower farmers, families, and entire communities to thrive, despite mounting challenges to their livelihood and survival. Support for these programs goes a long way towards changing lives and creating a better future for all. But such interventions are not enough. The urgency of this moment, and the call for far-reaching systemic change, cannot be denied.”

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2021 State Legislature Wraps Up with Mixed Results

The California state legislature wrapped up on Friday, September 10. Here’s an update on CIPL’s priorities:
  • SB 47 – increases to $5 million CalGEM spending for clean-up of abandoned oil wells – passed, waiting for Governor’s signature
  • SB 406 – creates greater transparency on oil and gas wells information on CalGEM’s website – passed, waiting for Governor’s signature
  • SB 372 – establishes Medium- and Heavy-Duty ZEV Fleet Purchasing Assistance Program – passed, waiting for Governor’s signature
  • AB 896 – authorizes CalGEM to put a lien on companies that have not paid clean-up fees on abandoned wells – passed, waiting for Governor’s signature
  • SB 99 – establishes Clean Energy Resilience Plans – was held in Aug 26 Assembly Appropriations (died), may become a two-year bill
  • AB 525 – establishing the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program – was held in Aug 26 Senate Appropriations (died), may become a two-year bill
  • AB 1395 – putting into statute California’s commitment to being carbon neutral by 2045 – died in the Senate Floor vote; will most likely be a two-year bill

While AB 1395 had some tough hurdles and was rather expected to become e a two-year bill, SB 99 and AB 525 had received wide support and were expected to pass Floor votes. As we witness climate change through extreme heat, a worsening of destructive wildfires, and other events, we are strengthened by the fact that we are not alone. CIPL supporters are people of faith AND conscience, working to bring comfort and hope to a struggling world.

We continue advocacy for pressing issues, such as phasing out oil and gas drilling, ensuring a just transition to good-paying jobs for former fossil fuel workers, and protecting communities that are disproportionately affected by pollution sources.

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As the 2021 state legislative session nears an end, crucial advocacy is still needed on AB 1395.

AB 1395 reasserts California’s climate leadership by codifying the state’s goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible, but no later than 2045, and achieve and maintain net negative greenhouse gas emissions thereafter.

AB 1395 is in keeping with the recent IPCC report that states humanity much accelerate our efforts to slow, stop and reverse the buildup of greenhouse gases fueling climate change. Through this process, thousands of lives will be saved; hundreds of thousands of good-paying clean energy jobs will be created; and countless trip to the emergency rooms and cases of respiratory and cardiac illnesses will be avoided. All this – while directing these benefits to communities that are on the frontlines of climate change and historical structural injustices.

AB 1395 CALL to ACTION: Click here for info, Senate targets, script, and phone numbers for Senators Bradford, Dodd, Durazo, Eggman, Glazer, Hertzberg, Hueso, Newman, Pan, Roth, Umberg.

Our recent Advocacy Days were again virtual, and yielded interesting discussions. Our meetings focused on moderate Assembly and Senate offices, primarily in the Central Valley, Inland Empire, and greater Los Angeles area.  Our priority bills are:

  • AB 585 (Rivas) addressing strategies to implement extreme heat resiliency centers
  • AB 896 (Bennett) making owners of abandoned wells responsible for their clean up
  • AB 1395 (Muratsuchi) carbon neutrality and net negative emissions
  • SB 47 (Limon) allowing up to $10,000,000 annually for plugging abandoned
  • SB 406 (Stern) allowing for greater oil and gas well data transparency

Of these, all but AB 585 are headed to a Floor vote. We remain active and engaged until the end of the legislative session, which is Friday, September 10.

Meeting with faith advocates and Peter Ansel of Senator Caballero’s office on August 26.

 

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Previous 2021 Legislative Info:

CIPL is gearing up for its second set of Advocacy Days slated for August 25 and 26.

It’s been a busy year so far in the California state legislature. CIPL’s priority bills are far-reaching and are receiving the support of many organizational colleagues in the equity, public health, environmental and policy sectors. They include:

  • AB 585 (Rivas) addressing strategies to implement extreme heat resiliency centers
  • AB 896 (Bennett) making owners of abandoned wells responsible for their clean up
  • AB 1395 (Muratsuchi) carbon neutrality and net negative emissions
  • SB 47 (Limon) allowing up to $10,000,000 annually for plugging abandoned oil and gas wells

Our June advocacy visits included support for SB 372 and SB 99, and both are happily receiving bipartisan backing!

We are in the process of making appointments with legislative offices and are looking for state advocates, especially from the Central Valley, Inland Empire, and Coachella Valley. If you are interested in joining this exciting venture that has real-world implications on climate policy, please contact Allis at allis@interfaithpower.org or at (310) 752-3436.

 

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PREVIOUS 2021 POSTS:

CIPL’s WEEK OF ADVOCACY IS JUNE 21 – 24. Send us an email for more information and to sign up for a meeting with your legislator.

The California legislative year has already been a whirlwind of activity with some losses, some wins, and more of both anticipated.

The major disappointment for thousands of climate activists and hundreds of groups was the failure of legislators to pass a 2,500 foot health and safety setback between oil and gas extraction and sensitive receptors such as homes, schools, recreational areas, and parks. Senator Scott Wiener stepped up to revive the setbacks – along with a phase out of oil drilling. SB 467 did not pass in committee, defeated again by Senator Hertzberg, along with Senators Hueso and Eggman. The fight continues with the California’s Department of Geologic Energy Management (CalGEM.) Alongside frontline communities like Center for Race, Poverty & the Environment and STAND-LA, CIPL advocates and staff are watching CalGEM closely, and anticipating its setback rule-making proposal. We are ready to jump into action on next steps.

In the meantime, many strong legislative bills are heading to the House and Senate Floor for votes. CIPL has supported many focused on pollution reduction and renewable energy, including:

  • AB 117 (Horvath) allowing for electric bike rebates
  • AB 585 (Rivas) addressing strategies to implement extreme heat resiliency centers
  • AB 896 (Bennett) making owners of abandoned wells responsible for their clean up
  • AB 962 (Kamlager) have returnable beverage bottles be cleaned and re-used, rather than recycled
  • AB 1276 (Carillo) reducing unnecessary food serviceware
  • SB 47 (Limon) allowing up to $10,000,000 annually for plugging abandoned wels
  • SB 99 (Dodd) calling for the creation of a program to develop community energy resilience plans, prioritizing under-served communities
  • SB 373 (Leyva) establishing the Medium- and Heavy-Duty ZEV Fleet Purchasing program to facilitate the transition to clean transport trucks

CIPL, along with a number of other organizations, is opposing AB 1139 (Gonzalez), which aims to drastically reduce the payback amount of solar customers’ excess energy by utilities. CIPL will hold a forum on this bill, and Net Metering in general, on Monday, June 21, 1:00pm. Click here for more information and to register.

Stay tuned for info on key bills’ process and details about CIPL’s upcoming Week of Advocacy June 21-24.

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Faith Climate Action Week April 16-25 – Sign Up Today!

Faith Climate Action Week is ten days in April during Earth Month when faith communities all over the country  focus on how we can all take action to protect our climate. The 2021 theme is Sacred Ground: Cultivating Connections Between our Faith, our Food, and the Climate.

Get resources on education, sermons, film screenings, events, and more at faithclimateactionweek.org.

Highlights of 2021’s Faith Climate Action Week includes the screening of “Kiss the Ground”, a new film about how regenerating the world’s soils has the potential to stabilize Earth’s climate, restore lost ecosystems, and create abundant food supplies. Make this Faith Climate Action Week and your Earth Day celebrations the best yet!

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California Interfaith Power & Light
672 13th Street, Suite 100
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 444-4891
Southern California Office
Phone: (310) 752-3436)
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