Caring for God's creation and accessing renewable energy is a communal effort!
"Such caring, serving, keeping, loving, and living by wisdom sum up what is meant by acting as God’s stewards of the earth. God’s gift of responsibility for the earth dignifies humanity without debasing the rest of creation. We depend upon God, who places us in a web of life with one another and with all creation." ELCA Social Statement on Caring for Creation
Deadly flooding, worsening drought, record-breaking heat and increasing wildfires all point to the devastating consequences of climate change in the U.S. and around the world. The Intergovernmental Panel on 2023 Report Climate Change was described as "an atlas of human suffering and a damning indictment of failed climate leadership." Human-induced climate change is already creating weather and climate extremes in every region across the globe.
Many of these changes are unprecedented, and some of the shifts are in motion now, while some - such as continued sea level rise – are already ‘irreversible’ for centuries to millennia ahead, the report warns.
As Christians, we are called to love our neighbor and care for our common home. We do that in our personal lives and in our life together by living simply and being good stewards of creation. We also do this by encouraging policies that support the common good.
House Bill 504 enables community renewable energy projects in Pennsylvania that would allow us to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions while helping to create a more resilient energy system. Many congregations and other nonprofits who cannot take advantage of tax breaks, or whose property is not well suited to onsite solar installation, have been frustrated in their attempts to be better stewards. Community energy allows businesses, farms and nonprofits such as churches and other community organizations to directly participate in and receive benefits from an offsite solar project connected to their local electric distribution company’s grid.
The Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee advanced House Bill 504, a community energy bill with overwhelming bipartisan support! It passed the house on May 7, 2025! Check to see how your representative did and send them a note thanking those who supported it! Now, it moves to the Senate for consideration.
It’s essential that your senator hear from you about the importance of community energy. Fill out the form on the right and you'll be taken to a pre-drafted letter to send. If you have solar on your property, please share your positive experiences. And if you've encountered obstacles in accessing these technologies, please describe how community energy could enable you to participate in the benefits of renewable energy. A personal note and story makes a real difference!
Thank you for your advocacy and care of God's creation!
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[Posted: 4/29/2025; Updated: 5/7/2025]
