The Episcopal Ecological Network (EpEN)

Governmental Policies for Environmental Stewardship

Proposed Resolution for the 76th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, USA, July 2009

Resolution C011: Governmental Policies for Environmental Stewardship

Resolved, the House of ___________ concurring, That the General Convention of the Episcopal Church urges the U.S. Government to legislate equitable subsidies for renewable energy (such as solar and wind turbine power, and research into new technologies), along with balancing its current subsidies for non-renewable energy sources (oil, gas, coal); and be it further

Resolved, Resolved, That the General Convention supports adoption of a federal renewable portfolio standard which would specify that electricity suppliers obtain a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable energy, with that amount to be increased over time; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention supports government programs which practice sound environmental stewardship, for example by converting public buildings to solar, and utilizing renewable, clean energy to operate public transportation, and by saving water through water conservation, efficiency and reuse, thereby reducing the demand for energy-consuming processing facilities; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention directs the Washington Office of Government Relations of the Episcopal Church to promote these goals in their work, and to report regularly on this work through appropriate communication channels.

Proposer: Diocese of California

The EpEN is a national network of active lay and clergy persons within the Episcopal Church, USA, who share a common concern for the environment and a common belief in the presence of God in all Creation and who work to make these concerns and beliefs known throughout all Provinces and Dioceses within the church.  Members come from around the Episcopal Church USA.  The activities of the EpEN are focused on the areas of Reflection, Education, and Action. 

If you would like to contact any of these groups or to find out more about the EpEN, please click on the links on the left.