United Methodist, Baptist, and Episcopal advocates from Arizona, Nevada, South Carolina, and Tennessee go to Washington to stand up for energy ethics, and a fair share for taxpayers One of the most important recent accomplishments of the US government which most people have never heard of is the Bureau of Land Management Methane Waste Reduction Standard. While regulations often fail to catch the attention of everyday people of faith, this one is projected to cut millions of dollars of waste, and channel that money to public goods such as public schools, roads, and libraries. When companies extract oil and natural gas from public and tribal lands, the Bureau of Land Management collects revenues on this production on behalf of taxpayers. However, when these public resources are wasted due to outdated technology or shoddy industry practices, taxpayers are cheated of this revenue. This new Standard was strongly supported by religious communities because of our moral commitment to stewardship. We organized for stakeholder meetings and engaged with the Administration to get it done. Download a fact sheet (PDF) (DOC) to learn more about the the Bureau of Land Management Natural Gas Waste Rule. Now, the time has come to defend this common-sense Standard from being rolled back. It has been reported that the 115th Congress will take up a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to block rules issued by the Bureau of Land Management to limit natural gas waste from the oil and gas sector at the oil lobby’s behest. Our leaders in Washington should not sell out their constituents to special interests by giving the oil and gas industry an indefinite free pass to waste energy and taxpayer resources. The CRA is a reckless and blunt tool that, if successful, would prevent any “substantially similar” rule from being issued – allowing the oil and natural gas industry to continue to waste hundreds of millions of dollars-worth of taxpayer owned resources every year, and continue using outdated, wasteful practices and technologies. Meet the advocates who are traveling all the way to Washington, DC to urge their elected leaders to defend the energy stewardship values we hold as people of faith.
Support Rev. Dr. James Blassingame's efforts to represent South Carolinian people of faith in Washington, DC this Wednesday, Feb. 1. Call for responsible energy stewardship by calling Senator Graham’s office at (202) 224-5972. Here’s what you might say: “Hello, my name is ____ and I’m from ____ (faith community, organization, city). Wednesday, Rev. Dr. James Blassingame is traveling to Washington DC to represent our faith commitment to responsible energy stewardship, and to call for a fair return for taxpayers. Every year, oil and gas operations on public and tribal lands waste millions of dollars worth of methane. I stand with Dr. Blassingame in urging the Senator to please uphold the Bureau of Land Management Natural Gas Waste Rule, which will stop needless methane waste.”
To support Rev. Maynard's advocacy, please call Senator Alexander’s office at (202) 224-4944. Here’s what you might say: “Hello, my name is ____ and I’m from ____ (faith community, organization, city) in Tennessee. Wednesday, Rev. Charles Maynard is traveling to Washington, DC to represent our community’s faith commitment to responsible energy stewardship, and to call for a fair return for taxpayers. Every year, oil and gas operations on public and tribal lands waste millions of dollars worth of methane. I support Rev. Maynard’s leadership and stand with him in urging the Senator to please uphold the Bureau of Land Management Natural Gas Waste Rule, which will stop needless methane waste.”
To support Sarah's advocacy effort, please call Senator McCain’s office at (202) 224-2235 and tell them something like this: “Hello, my name is ____ and I’m from ____ (faith community, organization, city) in Arizona. Wednesday, Sarah King is traveling to Washington, DC to represent our community’s faith commitment to responsible energy stewardship, and a fair share for taxpayers. Every year, oil and gas operations on public and tribal lands waste millions of dollars worth of methane. I support Sarah King’s leadership and I join her in urging the Senator to please uphold the Bureau of Land Management Natural Gas Waste Rule, which will stop needless methane waste.”
If you or someone you know lives in Nevada, please help us send calls to Senator Heller’s office at 202-224-6244 to support his advocacy. Here’s what a caller might say:
“Hello, my name is ____ and I’m from ____ (faith community, organization, city). Wednesday, Deacon Mike Margerum is travelng to Washington DC to show his faith commitment to responsible energy stewardship, and to call for a fair return for taxpayers. Every year, oil and gas operations on public and tribal lands waste millions of dollars worth of methane. I stand with Deacon Mike in urging the Senator to please uphold the Bureau of Land Management Natural Gas Waste Rule, which will stop needless methane waste.”
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Today, President Donald Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum to the US Army Corps of Engineers directing them to complete the Dakota Access Pipeline permitting process to the extent allowed under law. Based on previous studies by the Corps, current interpretation of the law includes: respecting the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s treaty rights, a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and careful consideration of alternative routes. Nothing in the Memorandum addresses these considerations, and the easement to undertake Dakota Access Pipeline construction under the Missouri River has not been granted. Yet, the Memorandum’s release on President Trump’s fifth day in office invites profound concern for religious communities, which have heavily invested in solidarity efforts to protect Standing Rock Sioux treaty lands and water. United Church of Christ Environmental Justice Minister Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt said the Trump Administration’s actions today “have revived the dinosaurs of an obsolete and destructive energy system.” He went on to urge Christians everywhere, “If you care about the people of Standing Rock, if you care about the world we are giving to our children and grandchildren, then now is the time to act. Corporate greed must no longer trample over love of neighbor and love of those dear to us.” Creation Justice Ministries Executive Director Shantha Ready Alonso responded to the news: “This was a brash decision by an Administration that claims to care about clean water and local decision-making power. I hope and pray this Memorandum does not set the tone for the Trump Administration’s posture toward matters of environmental justice and indigenous rights. As Christians, we are committed to responsible stewardship of the gifts of God’s creation, and to respecting the sovereignty of our indigenous brothers and sisters. We call on the Administration to respect indigenous rights and the safety of drinking water for millions. Locally, as they have consistently done from the beginning of their resistance to the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline on their treaty lands, members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe are maintaining a posture of strength through prayer. Episcopal Deacon Brandon Mauai of Standing Rock said of today’s announcement, “We need to pray that every person in a decision-making position takes into consideration that authorizing this pipeline will harm the people of Standing Rock. We continue to pray for all leadership, including our President Donald Trump. We pray we can reach a conclusion that will not harm any life, and the Church takes the side of creation and the people.” ###
Creation Justice Ministries represents the creation care policies of 38 Christian communions, including Baptists, mainline Protestants, Historically Black Churches, Peace Churches, and Orthodox communions. Learn more at www.creationjustice.org Today, the State Department announced the second U.S. contribution of $500 million to the Green Climate Fund, an international multilateral fund that supports low-emission and resilient development in countries that are the most vulnerable to the unavoidable impacts of climate change. The Green Climate Fund was established to help countries that are least responsible for causing climate change, and least economically able to cope with it. The Green Climate Fund is accountable to a board with representatives from the U.S. government, and other donor and recipient governments. It includes high levels of transparency and accountability in its structure and governing principles to prevent corruption. Religious communities, which are heavily involved in relief and development ministries, have a strong interest in seeing the Green Climate Fund succeed. Religious relief and development ministries are struggling to respond to climate impacts, and the Green Climate Fund provides welcome international organization of funds for the cause. In 2016, 121 religious organizations requested a $750 million investment in the Green Climate Fund for Fiscal Year 2017. ### Creation Justice Ministries represents the creation care policies of 38 Christian communions, including Baptists, mainline Protestants, Historically Black Churches, Peace Churches, and Orthodox communions. Learn more at www.creationjustice.org Religious Leaders Affirm Investment In the Green Climate Fund “The Green Climate Fund is an investment in the well-being of our collective future, especially the poor and vulnerable peoples around the world, whose livelihoods are directly harmed and threatened right now by climate disruption. As such, the Friends Committee on National Legislation is deeply grateful to the Obama Administration for its $750 million commitment to the fund for Fiscal Year 2017. It is a commitment to compassion in action. As we come upon our nation’s annual celebration of the legacy of Martin Luther King, this commitment resonates in his words: “Every nation must now develop an overriding loyalty to mankind as a whole in order to preserve the best in their individual societies.”
Jose Aguto Legislative Secretary, Friends Committee on National Legislation “As Christians, we celebrate the release of funds to the Green Climate Fund because are called to rectify injustice. When the most vulnerable people in the world who have emitted the fewest greenhouse gas emissions get harmed first and worst by our damaged climate, countries like the United States must take responsibility. We see the Green Climate Fund as a strategic investment to organize and strengthen efforts for climate adaptation and resilience. We remain committed to calling for the United States to meet its full pledge of $3 billion to the Green Climate Fund by 2020.” Shantha Ready Alonso Executive Director, Creation Justice Ministries “We are pleased that the Obama administration was able to continue the United States’ bipartisan tradition of support for climate resilience and renewable energy technologies in developing nations. This is an important installment toward our $3 billion pledge and shows the rest of the world that the U.S. is keeping our word and doing our part. As people of faith, we have a responsibility to consider the needs of others and answer God’s call to care for the least among us. That is what this fund is all about.” The Rev. Cn. Sally Bingham President, Interfaith Power & Light “As Christians in the United States who care about vulnerable persons from all backgrounds, we know ensuring that our country does its part for the Green Climate Fund is not only a matter of environmental concern, but also one of basic justice and compassion. With the resources to prepare for extreme weather, rising sea levels, drought, and other climate disruption, fewer people will find themselves in desperate situations.” Rev. Dr. Ken Brooker Langston Director, Disciples Center for Public Witness “The Franciscan Action Network applauds the Obama administration’s continued commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement by pledging additional funding to the Green Climate Fund. As Pope Francis reminded us in his encyclical Laudato Si, it is going to take the full dedication of each of the world’s major polluters to ensure that we stop the debilitating effects of climate change that are currently affecting our brothers and sisters in the third world. It is our hope that this commitment continues with the incoming President-Elect.” Patrick Carolan Executive Director, Franciscan Action Network For such a time as this we are called to responsibly steward the gifts of creation and to stand in solidarity with the most vulnerable, affirming all creation’s right to flourish. Through the health of our climate, all the world’s concerns are intertwined. We – the Alliance of Baptists – therefore urge President Obama to fulfill our country’s commitment to the Green Climate Fund as a part of the historic Paris agreement so that we might join with other countries in caring for the earth as our common home.” Rev. Paula Dempsey Director of Partner Relations, Alliance of Baptists "Church World Service(CWS) warmly welcomes President Obama’s move to shore up US contributions for the Green Climate Fund before his Administration departs office. These are critical investments for the future. CWS can already attest to the damage caused by increasing drought, catastrophic weather events and failing crops caused by changes to climactic patterns. Our faith tradition compels us to help the vulnerable and to build communities through acts of compassion, solidarity and active giving. This US contribution to the Green Climate Fund is in keeping with finest traditions of US global leadership which CWS hopes will continue long into the future." Jasmine Huggins Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer, Church World Service "It is simply a fact that those hit hardest by the impacts of climate change are those that have contributed the least to the problem. Given the disproportionate burden that our changing climate is placing on the poor and the marginalized around the world, it is a moral imperative that the U.S. do everything possible to ensure that climate mitigation and adaptation is as just and equitable as possible. This means allocating robust funding to mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund so that less developed countries have the resources they need to adapt to a rapidly changing world. If the United States wants to continue its tradition of moral leadership on the international stage, it must make good on its commitment to fund the Green Climate Fund." Kyle Meyaard-Schaap National Organizer and Spokesperson, Young Evangelicals for Climate Action “This transfer of $500 million to the fund demonstrates our country’s ongoing compassion and commitment to the poor around the world. The Green Climate Fund is an important resource that helps communities in developing countries prepare for the ill effects of climate change, like increasing droughts that undermine the livelihoods of small farmers.” (Link to full statement) Bill O’Keefe Vice President for Government Relations and Advocacy, Catholic Relief Services “We express our gratitude to President Obama for honoring his commitment to the Green Climate Fund up to the end of his term. From super typhoons to severe drought conditions, our missioners and the vulnerable communities we serve in Asia, Africa, and Latin America experience deeply and directly the weather events linked to climate change. These events will only become more frequent and severe if we fail to act to protect our common home.” Chloe Schwabe Faith Economy Ecology Program Director, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns Faith Leaders Cheer New National Monuments Focused on African American Heritage As Well as Presidential Memorandum on Diversity and Inclusion for U.S. Public Lands and Waters |
We, Christians and Jews alike, take from our scripture and faith traditions such values as inclusivity, social justice, and ecological stewardship. Given those values, multiple proposed appointments to the incoming Presidential leadership team have raised grave concerns for our communities. Among these, the recent nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt for EPA Administrator stands out. President-elect Trump stated his intention to protect clean air and clean water. Pruitt, as Oklahoma Attorney General, had ample opportunity to do just that – but instead, he brought multiple lawsuits against the Environmental Protection Agency to counter precisely those measures that would safeguard our land and water. He has also falsely characterized EPA protection of endangered and threatened species as motivated by an agenda to block fossil fuel production. Pruitt has repeatedly, and publicly, spread mis-information that climate science is uncertain. Casting doubt on climate science, as well as downplaying the moral imperative to safeguard our climate and environment, imperils public health, our coastlines, economic well-being, the interdependent web of creation, and even our own grandchildren. Any public policy should be motivated by care for the most vulnerable, and for future generations. Public servants are responsible for considering multiple stakeholder points of view, and cannot be beholden to external financial interests when making choices that impact the common good. It is public information that Pruitt has not only accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from coal and oil companies, but has looked to them in setting policy. It is utterly inconsistent with the Jewish and Christian faith traditions for a public servant to behave in a manner that prioritizes the next quarterly profit report, with little concern for social responsibility or long-term impacts. Given Pruitt’s professional history, we are strongly concerned about the values and agenda he could bring to the Environmental Protection Agency. We urge all our constituents and agencies, and all people of faith and conscience, to call on the U.S. Senate to carefully investigate, thoroughly question, and consider rejection of the appointment of such an extreme figure to head the Environmental Protection Agency. We call on the Trump Administration to listen to established science on climate and species protection, and listen too to voices of faith, with our concern for future generations. We call on all people, irrespective of how they voted, to join us in our efforts to protect God’s good Creation – and at the same time, to protect the beauty and wonder of nature for all our descendants, in this nation and throughout the entire world. Creation Justice Ministries is an ecumenical organization representing the creation care policies of 38 Christian denominations, including Mainline Protestant, Historically Black Church, Orthodox Christian, Baptist, and Peace traditions. Learn more at www.creationjustice.org The Coalition on Environment and Jewish Life is an initiative of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) and the Jewish partner to the National Religious Partnership on the Environment. The JCPA is the public affairs arm of the organized Jewish community and serves as the advisory body for the 16 national and 125 local Jewish community relations organizations. Learn more at www.coejl.org Creation Justice Ministries and the Coalition on Environment and Jewish Life are partners in the National Religious Partnership for the Environment. Learn more at www.nrpe.org | Related Links More than Two Dozen Religious Organizations Urge Senate to Consider Rejecting Scott Pruitt to Head EPA Episcopal Bishops of Massachusetts Oppose Pruitt Nomination California Bishops Send Letter of Concern to Trump Catholic and Evangelical Leaders call for rejection of Pruitt nomination on "pro-life" grounds Evangelical Leaders Appeal to Donald Trump to Reconsider Scott Pruitt for EPA Pick |
Christian Leaders Applaud Army Corps Denial of Easement for Pipeline on Standing Rock Sioux Land
12/4/2016
As previously planned, the DAPL would have transversed sovereign Sioux land considered by the Sioux to be sacred, and has already damaged tribal burial grounds. DAPL would have been placed underneath the Missouri River, potentially polluting drinking water and endangering the health of millions downstream.
Creation Justice Ministries Executive Director Shantha Ready Alonso said of the decision, “We are grateful to the Administration for this decision. The belief system that a company can take over indigenous land for profit can be traced back to the Doctrine of Discovery -- 15th century papal teachings which have historically been used to justify land theft, colonization, and genocide. Standing with the Standing Rock Sioux to defend their sacred land has been an important step by Christians to reject the Doctrine of Discovery and to rectify injustice. As Christians, we have a moral responsibility to stand with indigenous peoples to protect their sovereignty, and God’s creation.”
Creation Justice Ministries and the NCC celebrate the ways in which faith leaders have stood alongside the Water Protectors of the Standing Rock Sioux in this struggle. Member communions of NCC and Creation Justice Ministries have sent delegations to stand in solidarity with the Sioux as they have strongly opposed the pipeline which would have run across their sacred lands. The organizations’ leaders hope this will be seen as a turning point in the troubled relationship Native Americans and Christians have often shared throughout history, that Christians will stand on the side of justice.
“This is an incredible development,” said NCC President and General Secretary Jim Winkler. “I believe the churches that stood with the Sioux made a difference. I’m deeply grateful for NCC member communions who saw Standing Rock as a place to stand for justice. Obviously, we hope this decision will not be reversed in the coming administration.”
We join in celebrating this moment in which the words and actions of protest have been heard by our governmental leaders. We pray that additional strides toward justice and care for the environment will be spurred by the events of the past months at Standing Rock.
Creation Justice Ministries represents the creation care policies of 38 Christian communions, including Baptists, mainline Protestants, Historically Black Churches, Peace Churches, and Orthodox communions. Learn more at creationjustice.org.
Since its founding in 1950, the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA has been the leading force for shared ecumenical witness among Christians in the United States. The NCC’s 38 member communions – from a wide spectrum of Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, Evangelical, historic African American and Living Peace churches – include 45 million persons in more than 100,000 local congregations in communities across the nation.
"Today a kairos time arrived on the banks of the Cannon Ball River. The Indigenous Nations of this land have found a new ally among those denominations that have stood with their commitment to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery. The commitment of the Oceti Sakowin (7 Council Fires of the Great Sioux Nation) are responding to the news with generosity, forgiveness and their own call to reconciliation. We are hopeful that a new day (anpao) has begun in recognition of Treaty obligations being met by the government and people residing in Indian Country -- all of this continent." ~ Fr. John Floberg, Episcopal Priest, Diocese of North Dakota; Lead convener of Standing Rock Clergy Action of November 2016 "We stand firmly in support of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in defense of their water and tribal sovereignty. We celebrate the Army Corps decision with them, but know that there is much work to do to ensure the protection of the Missouri River and respect for tribal lands." - Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, Stated Clerk, Presbyterian Church (USA) |
Photo credit: United Church of Christ
To read the National Congress of American Indians Statement on Easement Decision please CLICK HERE.
Signers included national religious leaders as well as leaders of the West and Southwest, including the Directors of the Wyoming Association of Churches, Colorado Council of Churches, and New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light – all organizations that have been extremely active on the issue.
The letter lifts up faith communities’ shared faith principle of stewardship: “As people of faith, we believe in good stewardship of all the gifts of God’s creation. We consider it part of practicing our faith to counteract wasteful attitudes and behaviors, which Pope Francis call ‘throwaway culture’.”
Since the Bureau of Land Management first announced their effort to cut methane waste, religious communities have championed the cause. Religious leaders highlighted in their letter their collective reaction to learning about the issue: “As our communities learned of the methane waste problem, we found it shocking how much leaked, vented, and flared natural gas is lost from oil and gas operations.” Annually, oil and gas operations in the United States waste enough methane to power the entire state of Wyoming for a year.
When methane leaks from oil and gas operations on public land, a useful gift of God’s creation instead becomes a burden to communities. The religious leaders spoke of this burden in their letter: “Many states count on revenue from these operations to fund projects that care for the common good, including schools and roads. Yet, oil and gas companies allow methane, a finite gift of God’s creation, to waft into the air. This not only pollutes our air, but it also endangers our health and harms our climate. It also sends millions of dollars in potential earnings for the companies and tax revenue for our communities up in smoke.”
As the Methane Waste Rule proceeds from finalization to implementation, religious leaders will continue to monitor its effectiveness, and continue to advocate for cutting methane waste.
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Creation Justice Ministries represents the creation care policies of 38 Christian communions, including Baptists, mainline Protestants, Historically Black Churches, Peace Churches, and Orthodox communions. Learn more at www.creationjustice.org
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Creation Justice Ministries Executive Director Shantha Ready Alonso said, “This is a common sense move that will benefit everyone’s bottom line. We are grateful the Administration followed through and got it done. We call on oil and gas companies to embrace the Methane Waste Standard as an opportunity for better stewardship of methane, which is a finite gift of God’s creation.”
Wyoming Association of Churches Executive Director Chesie Lee said, "We thank the BLM for this rule to discourage waste of a precious resource of God's creation while potentially bringing us more revenue for our schools. At a time when we are facing severe cuts due to a decline of existing revenues available for the State of Wyoming, children can benefit from this improvement in resource stewardship.”
Colorado Council of Churches Executive Director Adrian Miller commented, “As people of faith concerned about being good stewards of the earth, we thank President Obama and his administration for their leadership on improving regulations that will help reduce methane waste.”
Sister Joan Brown, osf, the Executive Director of New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light, commented, "People of faith in New Mexico are grateful for the new BLM methane rules addressing pollution and waste. This is an important step in reducing the large methane cloud in our Four Corners region that will protect the health of those who are most vulnerable. Our schools and the children will benefit from more funds into our state budget from royalties. New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light is grateful for the leadership of this rule that cares for God's creation and our communities."
About this Blog
This blog shares the activities of Creation Justice Ministries. We educate and equip Christians to protect, restore, and rightly share God's creation.
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