California Interfaith Power & Light

Our Faith, Our Planet, Our Responsibility.

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CIPL’s 20th Anniversary Celebration Strengthened, Inspired, and Motivated

CIPL’s 20 Anniversary Celebration highlighted the people and congregations that have made a difference in the faith/ecology arena for two decades. And, though celebrated via Zoom, a great time was had by all, motivating us for the crucial work ahead in the next decade.

In a reception ahead of the main event, 2020 honorees, speakers, Steering Committee members and sponsors introduced themselves and their affiliation. Some spoke of their current work and what motivated them. The excitement of being together provided a supportive framework for people to share stories, laughter, and hopes for the future.

CIPL Steering Committee member Rabbi Marvin Goodman provided an overview of CIPL’s three-year strategic plan, which emphasizes environmental justice, quality of engagement with the faith community, and even greater advocacy for local and state climate and energy legislation. All of this work will be underpinned by a commitment to climate and racial justice, and empowering and training new voices for the climate movement. The new mission statement was highlighted – “Our mission is to inspire and mobilize individuals and communities of faith and conscience to take bold and just action on climate change.”

The main event was truly inspiring. It started with Thrive Choir’s  “Remember Me” – a call for a return to Earth that bore all of Creation and that is a living and healing environment. Rev. Susan Hendershot, president of Interfaith Power & Light thanked all the people and houses of worship that have engaged in efforts for a just transition to clean energy and protection of public health, especially those on the frontlines of the climate crisis. The Rev. Sally Bingham, founder and past president of IPL and CIPL narrated the “Honor Roll of Congregations and Leaders”, a list of hundreds active in solar energy, energy efficiency, education, advocacy, water stewardship and climate exemplars.

Former Senator Fran Pavley gave an engaging, informative, and sometimes humorous presentation on climate and energy legislation in the last 15 years. She recalled the passage of Assembly Bill 32, in which she was the main author, and CIPL’s role in obtaining one of the last votes needed for passage. Senator Pavley mentioned that she had good training as an 8th grade teacher to manage the challenges and personalities of the California legislature, to which a response in the chatbox declared, “Amen, Fran, working with 8th graders makes you a superhero!”

Many other “superheroes” were present in the event, including those who received the 2020 awards. The award for Environmental Justice went to Bishop Ernest Jackson and Grace Tabernacle Community Church of San Francisco. From installing solar on their roof – commemorated by a Juneteenth event – to hosting a gathering of the Association of Black Cardiologists, to undertaking efforts aimed at carbon neutrality, this church understands the intimate interconnection of environmental injustice, health, and poverty. Bishop Jackson challenges everyone to take action in his statement, “From God’s creations in the North Pole to the fires here in the Bay Area, our message is to ask ‘what can we do, what can each congregation do, what can each member do?’

The award for Green Building went to Church of the Presentation in Stockton. Their impressive 535-panel solar system provides almost all of the church’s needs, which frees up much-needed funds for their many community ministries. Presentation Church understands the very real effects of regional climate change and pollution on communities in the Central Valley and  has been very involved in environmental justice efforts for a decade. They are a true embodiment of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato si’ – Care for Our Common Home.

The award for Education & Advocacy went to Temple Isaiah in Los Angeles. Greatly inspired and motived by a visit from The Rev. Sally Bingham in 2001, their Green Team has educated its members and the wider community on climate change and working solutions in a variety of ways. This includes hosting speakers like Bill McKibben, Tom Steyer, and Dr. James Hansen. They have been at the forefront of climate and energy policy advocacy for two decades, and have been faithful (pun intended) in attending CIPL’s Sacramento Advocacy days. The Green Team even has a “Rapid Responders List” for timely letter-writing and telephoning for time-sensitive campaigns – a great idea for all congregations!

After a wonderful time of encouragement, support and real camaraderie among all attendants, the final speaker, Rev. Gerald Durley, brought down the house. Rev. Durley marched with and supported Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr; was inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame in 2011; is a national leading voice for civil rights and climate justice; and is the national board chair of Interfaith Power & Light. Rev. Durley gave an enthusiastic, stirring and inspiring overview of his work with Dr. King and civil rights in the 1960’s, great leaders John Lewis and C.T. Vivian, and his entry into climate justice with the realization that all major justice issues are related. As he spoke reassuring words of love and conviction,  the chatbox filled up with enthusiastic, heart-felt praise: Amen! Hallelujah! Yes! Be ye not weary! TALK ABOUT IT! Yes we will because YES WE CAN! and  With folks like you, Rev. Durley, WE WILL TURN THIS THING AROUND!

With hearts, minds, and spirits alive, the Unity Inspiration Ensemble reinforced the message of “never give up” with their rendition of “Pressing My Way” by John P. Kee.

Truly, everyone at this 20th celebration – and all who work for a healthier and more just world – have been and remain gifts for our world, exactly what is needed now and in the New Year and new decade.

Experience the magic of this celebration – links:

—20th Celebration recording (Rev. Durley’s remarks start at 44:49)
–Thrive Choir’s “Remember Me”
–Unity Inspiration Ensemble “Pressing My Way”

 

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Faithful Voting – November Election Information

The November election carries great weight for climate change and its many related issues of public health, clean energy job creation, and environmental and racial justice. Do you have your plan to vote ready? Here are some resources:

—Pledge to be a faith climate justice voter, keeping Creation and justice in mind.

–Check out Reflection Guide: Democracy, Values & the 2020 Election from Faith in Public Life and Interfaith Power & Light.  This nonpartisan guide offers timely sections that address urgent moral issues at stake in this election and beyond. Topics include justice for immigrants, economic dignity, care for creation and climate change, racism and criminal justice reform, democracy and voting rights, health care and the coronavirus pandemic, and global peacebuilding. Reflection questions are included to help spark conversation in your faith communities and to help prime questions addressed to candidates

General Information:
–Election Day – Tuesday, November 3, 2020
–Last Day to Register to Vote – Monday, October 19, 2020
—Click here to check your registration status, register to vote, or pre-register to vote (for California residents age 16 and 17 who want to be future voters)
—Click here for instructions on Voting by Mail

Check out the very informative overview from the California Council of Churches IMPACT.

 

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2020 Sacramento: Mixed Results, Much Work to Do

Doug Bland of Arizona IPL led the “Storytelling from the Heart” workshop for 2020 advocates.

CIPL’s Week of Advocacy in August (August 10-13) was unlike any in previous years. Instead of meeting in-person in Sacramento to prepare, be briefed and attend legislative meetings, everything was online. The responses from staff and advocates to this were positive: “no carbon emissions expended flying to Sacramento”, “more advocates from different parts of the state could participate”, and “I could stay at home, calmly sipping tea while in a meeting” were common tropes we heard. In addition to three dozen legislative meetings, a Policy Briefing armed advocates with greater knowledge of priority legislation, while “Storytelling from the Heart” helped to form and strengthen their commitment to environmental justice and action.

Due to COVID-19 and the drastic impacts on the California legislature, many very good bills were cut and consideration to COVID-19 recovery and public health were prioritized. Luckily, CIPL’s priority legislation encompassed the inter-connected issues of pollution reduction, public health, safety and justice. AB 345 (Muratsuchi) aimed to create a setback between oil and gas drilling and homes, schools, and places of worship; SB 54/AB 1080 (Gonzalez/Allen) aimed to reduce single-use plastic 75% by 2032; SB 288 (Wiener) aimed to fast-track transportation and safer streets projects, and increase installation of EV charging infrastructure; and AB 841 (Ting) aimed to update HVAC and plumbing systems for schools, and, like SB 288, increase installation of EV charging infrastructure.

Katie Valenzuela of California Environmental Justice Alliance gave excellent testimony for AB 345 at August 5 Natural Resources Committee.

The Policy Briefing on August 10 was extremely informative. Dan Jacobson, State Director for Environment California and long-time CIPL colleague gave the briefing on AB 841. He stressed the win-win-win aspect of the bill – cleaner air and water for students, starting with those in schools that are located in under-served communities first; funding for the EV charging infrastructure; and monies already present from the California Public Utilities Commission. Tina Andolina, Legislative Director for Senator Ben Allen, briefed advocates on SB 54/AB 1080, which were two-year bills. A massive coalition, which had been building since 2019, was very active and brought these plastics bills back to the attention of the legislature. Because of the connection to climate change (plastics are made from oil), public health, and ocean and air conservation, the coalition included organizations from the public health, conservation, equity, environmental, and faith sectors.

Kobi Naseck of VISION informed the advocates of the latest with AB 345, also a two-year bill. In addition to the plastics bills, AB 345 was one of the highest-priority bills of a huge coalition led by frontline communities. Nearly 5.5 million Californians – mostly people of color – live within one mile of an oil or gas well, which studies have shown lead to an increased risk of respiratory and cardiac illness, and cancer. Kobi highlighted the public health, economic and environmental and racial justice aspects of the bill, all of which are deeply important to the faith community.

As the end of session neared, it became apparent that COVID-19 would have the last word. Two valuable days were lost in the Senate due to a COVID scare and legislators and their staff were busier and more challenged than ever, dealing with shift to online and phone advocacy.

Just one of several multi-organizational letter in support of plastic bills.

SB 288 and AB 841 both passed all hurdles and are awaiting signatures from Governor Newsom, who has until September 30 to sign or veto all bills. Very sadly, both AB 345 and the plastics bills did not survive. An unexpected – and shocking – diatribe by Senator Hertzberg in the August 5 Senate Natural Resources committee put an end to AB 345. Last-minute wrangling and time limitations spelled the end of the plastics bills.

While hopeful that SB 288 and AB 841 will be signed into law, many in the faith community – along with our colleagues – are frustrated by the lack of legislative support for two bills that point to the pinnacle of the public health and plastic crises. One ray of sunshine has appeared, however, from the AB 345 efforts – a massive coalition is underway to closely follow and advise the California Geologic Energy Management Division’s rule-making for health and safety buffers. CIPL remains committed to the CalGEM’s rulemaking process, and will follow other strategies for plastic reductions, such as a plastics initiative on the 2022 ballot.

Related articles:

AB 345:
–Post Natural Resources committee vote – https://grist.org/politics/an-oil-well-right-next-to-your-house-the-california-senate-says-thats-ok/
–Post NR committee vote – https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-08-13/setbacks-legislation-california-oil-gas-production-environmental-protections-newsom
–Senator Caballero explains her lack of support – https://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/readers-opinion/article245207440.html
–City of Arvin protects public health – https://insideclimatenews.org/news/02082020/california-big-oil-environmental-health

Plastics Issue:
Big Oil’s Plan to increase plastic production, targeting Africa – https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/30/climate/oil-kenya-africa-plastics-trade.html
Amid downturn in oil, plastics production to increase – https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/21419505/oil-gas-price-plastics-peak-climate-change

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COVID-19 and California Wildfires – Resources

Historically, the faith community has been one religious and social constant in times of upheaval and uncertainty. COVID-19 has restricted our daily routine in terms of activities, employment, and education of students; many of us are concerned about the health of loved ones and ourselves; and finances and social isolation are too-real burdens. In addition, California wildfires are raging, affecting the air that many of us breathe, and causing concern for the health and well-being of first responders.

The faith community again is here to stand strong in the face of this shared threat, to pray alongside with, to offer practical action opportunities and to provide information on difficult situations faced by our brothers and sisters. In addition to the resources below, if you know of others that may be useful, please send them to CIPL staff.

Wildfires Resources:

Check the air quality where you live; protect yourself and others:
California Air Quality – airnow.gov
World Air Quality Index- https://aqicn.org/map/california/
Breezometer – https://breezometer.com/air-quality-map/

Location of wildfires in California:
Cal Fire – https://www.fire.ca.gov/
Inciweb – https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Capradio has a good overview on the latest fire, air quality, evacuations, and official information – https://www.capradio.org/articles/2020/09/21/latest-updates-on-northern-california-wildfires/

 

COVID-19 Resources:

Health Information and Updates:
 From the Centers for Disease Control
From the California Department of Public Health
Excellent information from the American Psychological Association

On-going Prayer Services and Words of Comfort: Many houses of worship and organizations are offering online prayers and live-streaming services. The plus side of this is you can attend anywhere – check our CIPL member congregation list to find one and, of course, ascertain  with your own congregation.


Policy Action: We need to make sure that legislators are poised and will act quickly on pollution reduction and our climate crisis and, indeed, to include appropriate responses now. Cutting air pollution saves lives and can improve respiratory health especially for vulnerable people. Here are some climate issues that you can take action on now and stay aware of:


Social Resources: Many of our brothers and sisters have been hard-hit by this pandemic with job loss; financial insecurity; and health challenges. The resources below were provided by the office Senator Henry Stern:

  • If you’re unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 you may qualify for Paid Family Leave (PFL).
  • If you’re unable to work due to medical quarantine or illness, you may qualify for Disability Insurance.
  • Those who have lost a job or have had their hours reduced for reasons related to COVID-19 may be able to partially recover their wages by filing an unemployment insurance claim.
  • If a worker or a family member is sick or for preventative care when civil authorities recommend quarantine, workers may use accrued paid sick leave in accordance with the law.
  • If workers are unable to do their usual job because they were exposed to and contracted COVID-19 during the regular course of their work, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
  • PG&E Customers – read the latest on non-suspension of services and more

 

A celebratory interfaith prayer service accompanied the 2015 Cool Climate Awards
at the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland

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2020 Action – Off to a running start

 

from left – Donte Woods from PSR-LA; David Andrade and Stella Ursua of GRID; and Jackie Badejo from Watts Clean Air & Energy Comm at Green Justice event

CIPL has started off 2020 with a climate bang! The 2020s is our best – and final – decade to avert the worst of climate change effects, and the faith community is responding in kind.

CIPL staff presented to several congregations in Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco, San Mateo, Watts, and Menlo Park on a variety of issues, including climate justice, transportation electrification, climate activism, carbon neutrality for houses of worship, and building faith advocacy.

In early February, CIPL hosted a group of Middlebury College students from Vermont for an “immersion week” demonstrating the faith/ecology nexus. Many of the students had taken a course from Bill McKibben, father of 350.org, who teaches at Middlebury. They came with a trained perspective of conservation and a systemic way of looking at issues.

The “Green Justice” event on February 5 was a highlight, exemplifying the power of community while delving deeply into the many justice issues related to climate change and sustainability. Held at Tabernacle of Faith Baptist Church in Watts, folks from the faith, justice, green career, and education sectors stressed an over-arching concern – truly sustainable communities that include affordable housing. Two themes were repeated. One, systems management – that construction, housing, safety and sustainability don’t exist in a vacuum, but when change is proposed, it must be part of a larger discussion of how the greater “eco-system” will be affected. Two, there was great interest in community investment strategies – how residents of Watts can take ownership of employment, housing, and sustainability strategies so that improvements for the community do not mean money taken out or displacement of members.

Midllebury College students with Dr. John Cobb at Uncommon Good

Strong work on policy has already taken place in 2020. Some 2019 priority legislation that did not pass in 2019 have received even greater support for their success in 2020. These include AB 345 (Muratsuchi), that calls for the Department of Conservation to study and implement a health and safety buffer zone between oil and gas extraction sites and homes, schools, churches and other such areas. In a concerted effort to get AB 345 passed in the Assembly by January 31, CIPL sent out an alert that yielded more than 100 letters of support. AB 345 did pass the Assembly and is now making its way through the Senate, and statewide workshops on this issue will include attendees from the faith community.

Another set of legislation from 2019 is SB 54 and AB 1080, which will have California reduce plastic use by 75% by 2030. Again, CIPL and supporters are already attending in-district legislative meetings, signing petitions, and holding planning meetings aimed at the passage of these bills.

In addition to the above policy, there has been strong action on a number of initiatives in the last three months: banning natural gas in San Jose; Caltrans oversight; environmental justice action at the port of Stockton; fare-free transit for youth; and the push for greater public transit in heavily-traveled areas of the Golden State.

If you and/your house of worship is involved in a climate issue in your community, or you want to be more involved, contact Liore or Allis for more information.

 

 

 

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Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 444-4891
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Phone: (310) 752-3436)
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