At our Earth Day booth, we brought together voices from many faiths to tell our Ohio state legislators that we care about Ohio legislation that impacts our environment. We are stronger when we work together. Just as a single fiber is easily broken, weaving the fibers together forms a strong thread or rope. So it is with Faith Communities Go Green (FCGG). By weaving together all the different faiths in our region, we become one strong voice for a just and sustainable environment.
At our booth, visitors of all faiths signed nearly 100 post cards asking legislators to vote in favor of two bills: HB 351 and HB 450.
HB 351 reverses the utility charges that unjustly burden low-income Ohioans. The bill will stop charging all Ohioans for obsolete, inefficient, polluting coals plants. Utility companies will continue to charge Ohioans $85 million extra each year to cover the cost to maintain these outdated plants, unless the Ohio house passes HB 351. HB 351 has bipartisan support but is stalled in committee.
HB 450 expands solar development for a cleaner, more diversified electric grid reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality. It encourages solar development on “distressed” brownfield sites and enables low-income Ohioans to take advantage of the cost-saving benefits of solar electricity. This legislation will result in much-needed jobs for communities struggling amidst the energy transition.
For tips on how to find your legislator, visit our website advocacy page at FCGG.org/advocacy/.
At our booth we also shared news about two new FCGG events in May. Both events give tools to help every congregation take better care of the environment. Working together, we will increase our impact.
1) If you have interest in gardening, supporting pollinating insects, and creating healthy soil that absorbs CO2, this program will provide new information on why and how to make your grounds more sustainable. In an event titled Sacred Grounds, three experts will share care tips via zoom on May 16th at 7 pm. Use your new knowledge for your congregational and your residential grounds.
2) Attend an in-person tour of house of worship facility to learn how a local congregation achieved net zero carbon emissions. Find out how they organized, found funding, and gained support from nearly all their congregational members. The tour will take place at Mt Auburn Presbyterian Church, May 22nd from 2:00 to 3:30pm, registration is required. (https://greenumbrella.org/event-4777710)
Visit our amazing, new, informational, website at FCGG.org/
There you will find success stories, resources, event registrations, and tools you can use to make your congregation greener. Learn how and why it is so important to form a green team in your congregation. Please fill out our brief, 7 question, survey at FCGG.org/survey/. Your answers to our survey questions provide guidance on how we can better serve our regions diverse faith communities. JOIN US to receive action alerts and news.
Faith Communities Go Green is brought to you by Green Umbrella and EquaSion.