The Episcopal Ecological Network (EpEN)

Resolution on Episcopal Power and Light

Passed by the 149^th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of California,
October 17, 1998

Resolved,
that the149th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of California recommends that the congregations and the communicants of the diocese make every effort to conserve energy and choose environmentally friendly and renewable resources in our institutions and homes; and further be it

Resolved,
that congregations and communicants of the diocese make every effort (when choosing an electric energy supplier) to examine the choices of energy generation, and to use environmentally safe and sustainable energy sources, especially those deriving from sun and wind; and further be it

Resolved,
that the Diocesan Commission for the Environment, working in consultation with the Diocesan Council, be the research and resource center for questions and answers on this issue and provide assistance in selecting a provider.

Explanation

Building on the resolution passed at the 1997 General Convention and the growing concern about global warming the Episcopal Church is moving towards a response that calls for more efficient use of energy and a supplier with less fossil fuel emission than in the past.

The spiritual implications of this scrutiny and economic choice will reflect our leadership role as steward for the environment, stewards for the health of our children and stewards for the human rights and justice issues affecting the communities where generation plants are sited.

In March of 1998, here in California, each church and individual was asked to choose their energy supplier and their product. This is an historical first. It is an opportunity for people to put their "faith into action" and is a chance for people to do something that demonstrates their love of Creation.

History

In December of 1997, representatives from 157 countries around the world gathered in Kyoto, Japan to forge consensus and engineer a treaty to save the planet from the dire consequences of global warming. In the aftermath of that struggle, most Americans are waiting to see if the Kyoto Protocol will win the approval of the United States Senate. It is the position of the Episcopal Church that regardless of what transpires in the Senate, the responsibility of everyone on a global basis is to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases to a minimum.

Last year the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (at the request of large commercial enterprises) mandated wholesale competition among utilities. This competition allows utilities to buy and sell electricity to each other and allows consumers the opportunity to choose their electric utility company. Transmission and distribution will continue to be regulated by monopolies, so as not to interfere with the delivery system. No one has to change their wires. But the issue in deregulation is the criteria for selection. The "cheapest" energy sources are coal and fuel oil plants which have devastating impacts on Californians and our environment.

Submitted by The Rev. Sally Grover Bingham
Chair, Commission for the Environment

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.