Climate Change: Theological Considerations Marilyn Sewell, Minister Emerita from 1st U in Portland
"Given the nature of the beast, then, how are people of faith called to respond? What are the theological implications?" Read the full article as published by Huffington Post.
Do Something for Climate! Short Session Action Moves Fast! ACTION ALERT
February 15, 2016 TO: All Climate Action Supporters
ACTION NEEDED: Contact your legislators and support Climate Change Portfolio Bills: Heathy Climate Bill (Cap & Invest) SB 1574A and Clean Energy / Coal Transition BillHB 4036A.
DEADLINE FOR ACTION: ASAP! The House could vote on HB 4036A this Tuesday and then the Bill will most likely move to the Senate. The Ways and Means Committee may wait a week to vote on SB 1574A. Then it could move directly to the Senate Floor. Your support and messages to your legislators are helpful at each stage.
MESSAGE TO CONVEY: Support SB 1574A and HB 4036A, to ensure that Oregon leads on Climate Change with comprehensive legislation. SB 1574A is Oregon's opportunity to take effective leadership in Climate Change by putting a price on greenhouse gas emission pollution. HB 4036, the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Bill, jointly prepared by the two major utility companies serving Oregon and environmental groups, phases out coal power by 2030 and expands the renewable energy commitment to 50% by 2040. Tell them that NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT on Climate; both bills deserve a vote and consideration by the 2016 Oregon Legislature this session.
Background: In 2007 Oregon set responsible greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. These two Bills, which complement each other, will ensure we meet these targets starting in 2030.
Talking Points:
SB 1574A is the cornerstone of a comprehensive climate policy framework based on a greenhouse gas emission cap and invest program with benefits that:
create local good paying jobs in our growing clean energy sector;
put a cap on greenhouse gas emissions;
significantly reduce emissions consistent with the best science;
build healthier communities by reducing medical bills and sick days from chronic disease like asthma;
use the free market through a greenhouse gas cap and invest program;
ensure fairness by assisting and investing in disadvantaged and rural communities;
reduce Oregon's risk of drought and record breaking wildfires;
safeguard our agriculture, tourism, salmon and shellfish industries;
create a structure for financial accountability of dirty pollutions emitted into our air; and
use the free market for the greenhouse cap and invest program that allows Oregon the flexibility to link to successful market based programs.
For more information, contact: Claudia Keith, Climate Change Portfolio Coordinator, League of Women Voters Corvallis Congregation Ca.keith@comcast.net 541-752-0591 lwvor.org
Thanks Claudia for your advocacy!
These Alerts will stop soon. The Legislature will be out of session on March 5th! NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT. Don't miss the window!
January 31, 2016 Healthy Climate Bill -- Lobby Day! Rally at the Capitol!As the Healthy Climate Lobby Day and Rally approaches OregonUUVoices is getting questions about the details for this event. Lots of UU's are going and many want to car pool together and generally share the day.
This short email is about the Healthy Climate Lobby Day and Rally on Wednesday, Feb. 3rd, and the details of the schedule, signing up,carpooling and rallying together as UU's on the steps of the capitol.
Here are the days events. Two Oregon non-profits took the lead on organizing and are responsible for different parts of the day: Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) and Oregon League of Conservation Voters (OLCV): 8:45 - 9:50AMPrayer into Action Gatheringby Ecumenical Ministry's of Oregon. Two UU Ministers, Marilyn Sewell and Katherine Jesch,are leading parts of this gathering.
You can go to Prayer into Action without signing up, but be kind to EMO and let them know at at http://tinyurl.com/go8tbsh. Arrange your own car pools. They ask for a $5:00 donation for morning snacks/coffee. Prayer into Action is located at First Methodist Church, 600 State St., Salem, OR 97301. Free parking is available at Marion Parkade at 350 Marion St NE, Salem, OR 97301.
10:00 AM to Noon:Lobby Day training by OLVC, which includes amorning training, lunch, and meetings with lawmakers after the rally. The sign up for this is ALREADY CLOSED! If you signed up for this and are NOT going to Prayer into Action, contact OLCV about car pooling or buses if they have not contacted you. Do it by MONDAY! 503-224-4011. Or, arrange your own car pools. Free parking is available at Marion Parkade at 350 Marion St NE, Salem, OR 97301. Lobby Day training is also at First Methodist Church, 600 State St., Salem, OR 97301. 12:00 PM: Big Rally on the Capitol Steps. There is still time to sign up for this, even if you are not going to Prayer into Action or participate in lobbying. Lots of people will be there, but more is better! The RSVP sheet has information about car pool locations. RSVP here by February 1 (Monday): http://bit.ly/1TDfiot .
2:00-4:00PMVisit your legislators. OLCV is helping those who signed up earlier to meet with their legislators.
Meet with other UU's. Its a busy day but look for yellow shirts on the left side of the rally --- facing the Capitol Steps! Wear yellow yourself, or your Standing on the Side of Love Shirt. I will be wearing a t-shirt with the Oregon Unitarian Universalist Voices for Justice Logo on the front (a first edition). We have a OUUVfJ Banner! Let's get a picture of all the UU's at the Rally. We can try to take a picture at the beginning of the Rally, if that doesn't work, we can take a picture at the end of the Rally -- on the Capitol Steps!
Be sure and check the weather report and dress appropriately. It's February! Rev. Katie Larsell