FROM THE PASTOR
Stewards of Creation: Lobby for a Sustainable Tomorrow
Pastor Kyle: Hi Cindy and Clare! Thank you for sharing your experience from the recent Climate Action Lobby Day on May 9th. Can you tell us a bit about the event and what motivated you to participate? Photos from the trip to Springfield >
Cindy: Absolutely! The Climate Action Lobby Day was an incredible opportunity organized by the Illinois Environmental Council. Over 300 people gathered in Springfield to advocate for equitable climate policies. I reached out to a number of folks and was so glad that Clare was interesting in joining me.
Clare: It was a powerful day. We were provided with bus travel, lunch, and shirts for the event. The energy and passion of everyone there were contagious. We had the chance to meet with Senator Laura Murphy for a significant amount of time, as well as briefly with Representative Michelle Musman to discuss the legislative pieces we were supporting; we weren’t able to secure a meeting with Rep. Marty Moylan. Senator Murphy and Representative Mussman are both actively sponsoring or supporting climate legislation.
Pastor Kyle: It’s so reassuring to know that we have supportive local representation. Could you share more about the specific legislative pieces you were advocating for?
Clare: Certainly. We focused on four key legislative pieces:
- Carbon Capture and Sequestration Regulations (HB 5814 / SB 3930): This bill aims to create new rules to manage the storage of carbon dioxide underground. These rules are designed to protect landowners and taxpayers from any potential problems.
- Clean and Reliable Grid Act (SB 3637): This aims to modernize our power sector to better adapt to climate change and enhance resilience against extreme weather.
- Clean and Healthy Buildings Act (SB 3935 / HB 5835): This bill focuses on reducing hazardous emissions in buildings, enhancing energy efficiency, and creating resources for decarbonization and weatherization.
- Clean and Equitable Transportation Act (HB 5829 / SB 3936): This package of bills aims to reduce emissions through improved transportation investments, transit governance reforms, and increased availability of zero-emissions vehicles and infrastructure.
Cindy: The day ended with a rally where several elected officials spoke passionately about economic justice, clean air, the importance of safe bike lanes, and other topics. It was inspiring to see so many people dedicated to making a difference.
Pastor Kyle: How does your involvement in the St. Luke’s Green Team align with the goals of the Climate Action Lobby Day?
Cindy: At St. Luke’s, our Green Team has been active in various environmental initiatives. We’ve conducted an energy audit and are exploring joining a solar farm, which could provide significant cost savings for our church. Our work is grounded in our commitment to stewarding God’s creation for future generations.
Jim Pearson and I are particularly passionate about advocating for small changes that really do add up, like using reusable plates and energy-efficient light bulbs. But we’re also interested in exploring larger initiatives. We can do hard things!
Pastor Kyle: That’s fantastic. How can members of our congregation get involved or learn more about these initiatives?
Cindy: We’re always looking for more hands and hearts to join us. If anyone is interested in learning more about solar energy for their homes or getting involved in our environmental efforts, they can reach out to the Green Team through the church website or contact Jim or me directly.
Pastor Kyle: Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Cindy: Just that every little action counts, and together, we can make a significant impact.
Pastor Kyle: Thank you for all you do! Photos from the trip to Springfield>
