Faithful Climate Justice Voter Reflection Guide Now Available From PA Interfaith Power & Light

PA Interfaith Power & Light is making available the Faithful Voter Climate Justice Reflection Guide to help promote discussion of Climate Justice issues from a moral and ethical perspective ahead of the November 8 election.

"As people of faith and conscience across the country, we believe elections are a referendum on the values that will shape our future. 

-- How can we renew our fragile democracy? 

-- How do we honor the human dignity of every person? 

-- Will we protect God’s Creation, our Sacred Earth, and our children’s future? 

-- What policies will prioritize the common good and confront future crises that remind us of our interdependence? 

“Many of the defining moral issues of our time are on the ballot: faltering democratic institutions, too much wealth in the hands of a few, damage to the climate, cruel immigration policies that tear families apart, mass incarceration that devastates communities of color, senseless gun violence, and threats to global public health and security. 

“These challenges are daunting. We must move forward in a spirit of hope, and we must resist despair and cynicism. 

“Using our voices to fulfill our civic duty and vote in every election makes a difference in our communities – and our world. Your vote is how you can speak up for our common home and our neighbors. 

“Voting is how we create a society based on our shared values. 

“This reflection guide is intended to spur discussion and discernment. Whether you use it at a kitchen table, in a house of worship, at a community forum, or at an event with political candidates, we hope it helps you navigate the urgent moral questions raised by this election. 

“The issues we address here are not exhaustive, but we believe they provide a framework for evaluating issues and candidates in a way that prioritizes solutions that promote dignity and the common good. 

“Each section includes suggested questions to guide your conversations and spark ideas for questions to ask political candidates.”

Click Here for a copy of the Faithful Voter Reflection Guide.

For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the PA Interfaith Power & Light website.

Related Article:

-- Guest Essay: Why I'm Concerned About Climate Change - By Dr. Phil Covert, Evangelical Environmental Network  [PaEN]

[Posted: October 14, 2022] PA Environment Digest

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Guest Essay: Why I'm Concerned About Climate Change

By Dr. Phil Covert, Evangelical Environmental Network

Ever since I was a little boy, I have greatly enjoyed nature: from visiting the Jersey Shore, to fishing with my dad, to hiking the New Hampshire mountains with my uncle. 

As I have grown older, I’ve had opportunities to travel to various countries around the world and see a multitude of seas, oceans, mountains, prairies, waterfalls, rivers, streams, and wildlife.

Recently, my wife and I visited Glacier National Park in Montana. The glaciers here are all rapidly melting and will disappear within the next five years due to climate change. 

Pine trees are ladened with mosses that are killing them, leaving vast forests of stick figure trees standing among the new growth emerging underneath. 

Other pine trees have also been dying due to the pine bore beetle that is responsible for thousands of dead trees throughout the west. 

This, too, is a result of warmer winter temperatures not killing off the beetles, as would have happened in the past. 

The changing climate is forcing wildlife to adapt to new food sources and changing habitats. Some are adapting; some are not and will soon disappear.

On this trip we saw trees change practically overnight from deep green leaves to leaves of gold, orange, and red. 

Some days, the mountains seemed to be flocked by God as the clouds lay gently on their peaks; and on one day, a light snow sprinkled high above the valleys spoke of the changing seasons. 

The rivers and streams were so crystal clear that I could see the fish within and thought I could catch them in my bare hands.

As I surveyed the mountains, lakes, and streams, I couldn’t help but think of some of the biblical quotes I learned as a youth that spoke of God’s amazing creation. 

“In the beginning God created….” Genesis 1:1; “I look up to the mountains – does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth,” Psalm 121:1-2; “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers – the moon and the stars you set in place – what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” Psalm 8:3-4. 

These biblical texts, as well as many more throughout scripture, flowed through my mind as I gazed at the wonder of God’s creation, and I sadly thought how much of it is being destroyed by our own selfishness. 

Internally, I weep when I think of what we are doing to the future of God’s creation and how it is affecting my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  

Since becoming involved in EEN and now as chair of EEN’s Board, I have gained a new understanding, deepening my concern and respect for creation. 

The vast beauty of God’s creation is certainly a wonder to behold when we take the time away from our busy lives to stop, look, listen, and drink in its majesty. 

As a champion of creation care and the need for all of us living in this fragile world to care for the future of God’s creation, including addressing the climate crisis, I encourage each of you to support efforts to keep our world clean, safe, and pollution free. 

Join EEN as a financial supporter, learn more about creation care, share your concerns with your political leaders, reduce your fossil fuel use, lower your carbon footprint, recycle, compost, use less plastic, and pray for God’s guidance.

O God, forgive us for using your creation for our own ends and not understanding that we are here to be caretakers, partnering with You for the continuing health of this world and beyond. Amen.

For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the Evangelical Environmental Network website.   ENN is based in New Freedom, York County.

The mission of ENN is to inspire, equip, educate, and mobilize evangelical Christians to love God and others by rediscovering and reclaiming the Biblical mandate to care for creation and working toward a stable climate and a healthy, pollution-free world.

Dr. Phil Covert is chairman of the York County-based Evangelical Environmental Network.

(Reprinted from the Evangelical Environmental Network website.)

Related Article:

-- Faithful Climate Justice Voter Reflection Guide Now Available From PA Interfaith Power & Light  [PaEN]

[Posted: October 14, 2022] PA Environment Digest

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Friday PA Environment & Energy NewsClips 10.14.22

Are You Telling Your Story?

Senate returns to session October 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, November 15 [Adjourn for year]

     -- Committee Schedule

House returns to session October 24, 25, 26, November 14, 15, 16 [Adjourn for year]

     -- Committee Schedule

TODAY’s Calendar Of Events 

 

TODAY 9:00: Senate Environmental Resources & Energy and Labor & Industry Committees joint hearing on importance of PA’s waterways to energy and economic development.  Allegheny County Courthouse, Gold Room, 4th Floor, 436 Grant St., Pittsburgh.  Click Here to watch live and more information

 

TODAY 1:30: DEP And Local Officials Kick Of 2022-23 Local Climate Action Program.  Wormleysburg, Cumberland County.

 

-- DEP: Shell, Pipeline Contractor Assessed $670,000 Penalty For Falcon Ethane Pipeline Construction Violations In Allegheny, Beaver, Washington Counties  [PaEN]

 

-- StateImpactPA - Reid Frazier: DEP Fines Shell $670,000 For Spills, Erosion During Falcon Pipeline Construction

 

-- Post-Gazette: Shell Pipeline, Contractor, Agree To $670,000 Penalties In Falcon Pipeline Construction Violations

 

-- Conservation Groups Urge DEP To Deny Transco Permits For Natural Gas Pipeline Thru Exceptional Value, High Quality Watersheds In Luzerne, Monroe Counties  [PaEN]

 

-- Sen. Bartolotta Works To Deny Grieving Parents Information On Shale Gas Drilling Health Studies

 

-- WESA: Energy Issues Shape Debate In PA Legislative Elections In Allegheny Valley, Statewide

 

-- Bay Journal: Chesapeake Bay Leaders Pledge To Step Up Progress Toward 2025 Cleanup Goals, But Admit They Won’t Meet Them

 

-- Lake Heritage In Adams County To Become Live Stake Nursery With Support From PA American Water Grant  [PaEN]

 

-- Delaware Currents: Delaware River Conservation Corps Promoting Sustainable Jobs In Climate Resiliency, Green Infrastructure - By Chris Mele For Delaware Currents  [PaEN]

 

-- Reading Eagle: Ontelaunee Wetlands Preserve Part Of Ongoing Effort To Heal The Schuylkill River

 

-- Delaware RiverKeeper Oct. 14 RiverWatch Video Report

 

-- Post-Gazette Guest Essay: How Pittsburgh Went From 3 Large Sewers To Clean Rivers - Tom Batroney, Pittsburgh Section-American Society Of Civil Engineers

 

-- MCall: Some Lehigh Valley Residents Have Been Under A Boil Water Advisory For Months, Here’s When It Could Finally Be Lifted

 

-- MCall: Flood Advisory Expires For Lehigh Valley After Heavy Rain Drenches Region

 

-- Faithful Climate Justice Voter Reflection Guide Now Available From PA Interfaith Power & Light  [PaEN]

 

-- Guest Essay: Why I'm Concerned About Climate Change - By Dr. Phil Covert, Evangelical Environmental Network  [PaEN]

 

-- WHYY: Philly Teens Are Sharing Their Climate Change Stories

 

-- Penn State Electric Vehicle Battery Tech Breakthrough Paves Way For Charging In Just 10 Minutes, Smaller Batteries  [PaEN]

 

-- PennLive: Cleanup Proceeding At 30-Year-Old Avco Lycoming Superfund Site In Williamsport

 

-- TribLive: Girls Get The ‘Green Light’ To Go STEM During Program At Chatham’s Eden Hall Campus 

 

-- DEP Now Accepting Applications For County Mosquitoborne Disease Control Grants

 

-- DEP Accepting Bids On Mine Reclamation Projects In Allegheny, Butler, Fayette, McKean (2), Potter Counties [Page 6505]

 

-- October 15 Pennsylvania Bulletin Now Available

 

-- Dept. Of Agriculture Protects 2,046 Acres Of Farmland In 10 Counties From Development [PaEN]

 

-- DCNR Issues 3nd Weekly Fall Foliage Report Showing Nearly Half The State At Best Color  [PaEN]

 

-- Erie Times: Presque Isle Projects Faced Challenges In 2022: Sand Work Delayed, Trail Pushed Back

 

-- Post-Gazette: They Picked Milkweed To Help World War II Flyers, Now They Grow It To Help Monarch Butterflies

 

-- Penn State Extension Dec. 3 Webinar On Garden Artistry, Master Gardener Shares The Basics Of Botanical Illustration, 10:00 a.m. to Noon

 

-- Master Gardeners Of Cumberland County Host Wildlife Tree Ornaments Workshop For Youth Nov. 5 In Carlisle.  10:00 a.m. to Noon

 

--  TribLive: Fall Shoe Recycling Program Breaks Fox Chapel Garden Club Record

 

-- In Memoriam: Lance Bowes, Venango County Conservation District Manager - By Andy McAllister, Western PA Coalition For Abandoned Mine Reclamation

 

-- Bay Journal: Pennsylvania’s Elk Herd A Testament To Conserving Wide Open Spaces

 

6th Oil/Natural Gas Spike: True Energy Independence Means Renewables

[There Is No Limit To What Oil/Natural Gas Industry Can Make You Pay]

 

-- MCall: How Much Have Energy Prices Risen Or Fallen? See The Latest Numbers

 

-- Bloomberg: U.S. Households Face Longest Streak Of Double-Digit Increases In Natural Gas, Electricity Bills In Decades [Due To European Energy Crisis, Russia’s War In Ukraine]

 

American Rescue Plan Funding

 

-- LancasterOnline: Here’s How Lancaster County Is Spending Federal American Rescue Plan Funding

 

-- $11 Billion In Federal American Rescue Plan Funding To PA State Government, Local Governments Has Yet To Be Invested.  What’s Your Community Doing?

 

Other States/National/International

-- Financial Times: Special Report - Women Are On The Front Lines Of Climate Change - So Let Them Steer The Response

PA Politics - Everything Is Connected

-- PennLive - Jan Murphy: PA House Republican Leaders Want Undated Mail-In Ballots Kept Separate In Case Of Litigation

-- WITF: PA Counties Prepare For A Marathon Mail-In Ballot Count To Earn Their Share Of State Election Money

-- WHYY: After 2020 Election Day Threats, Philly DA Calls For Election Security Reform

-- Spotlight PA: Where Candidates For Governor Stand On Opioid Epidemic, Medical Marijuana, Other Health Issues

-- WHYY: Where Gubernatorial Candidates Stand On Raising PA’s Minimum Wage

-- WESA: Energy Issues Shape Debate In PA Legislative Elections In Allegheny Valley, Statewide

-- PA Capital-Star: Ads Target Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Mastriano For Using Social Media Site Where Pittsburgh Tree Of Life Synagogue Shooter Posted Manifesto

-- Inquirer: Why The Nation Should Have Its Eyes On Josh Shapiro’s Wildly Dominant Campaign

-- PA Capital-Star: Democrat Fetterman Wins Republican Support In New Ad Campaign

-- PennLive: Republican Cong. Scott Perry Declines To Participate In Editorial Board Interview

-- PA Capital-Star: Republican Cong. Scott Perry, In Center Of Assault On U.S. Capitol, Efforts To Overturn Election Results Storm, Insists He’s A Simple Man

-- PennLive Guest Essay: I Can’t Figure Out What Happened To The Republican Party

-- PennLive Guest Essay: Are These Candidates The Best Pennsylvania Can Offer?  [Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Mastriano]

-- Inquirer: Wawa Closing 2 Stores In Center City Philadelphia, Citing Violence, Safety Concerns

-- PA Capital-Star: PA Lawmakers Propose Pilot Program To Plug ‘School-To-Prison’ Pipeline

-- Inquirer Guest Essay: Philly Needs To Enact Its Own Gun Law, We Sued Harrisburg To Let That Happen

-- Post-Gazette Editorial: Justice Delayed, Justice Denied In Jim Rogers Death

-- York Dispatch: York County Reports 7 New COVID Deaths As Experts Warn Of Fall Surge

-- WITF: One Lancaster County Trans Student Finds Space To Be Himself, Despite Backlash Against LGBTQ Issues In Schools

-- PA Capital-Star: Higher Salaries, More Respect: Report Offers Path To Solving Teacher Shortage

-- Inquirer: Temple Canceling Classes Friday For Students To Focus On Their Wellness

-- Inquirer: Penn Students Claim University ‘Campaign Of Intimidation’ As They Face Disciplinary Hearings For Protests

-- TribLive: Striking Post-Gazette Workers Ask People To Cancel Subscriptions, Pull Ads

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[Posted: October 14, 2022]  PA Environment Digest

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Penn State Extension Hosts 9-Part Woods In Your Backyard Webinar Series Starting Jan. 11

Penn State Extension is hosting a nine-part Woods In Your Backyard webinar series starting January 11 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. each day.

Explore planning and implementing simple stewardship practices on your lot to create and enhance natural areas and make a positive impact on the environment during this series.

The vast majority of landowners have small woodlots less than 10 acres in size. Woods in Your Backyard Series is designed specifically, but not exclusively, for smaller landscapes. 

Join us to learn how landowners can positively influence the environment by implementing simple stewardship practices.

The manual used for this workshop, The Woods in Your Backyard: Learning to Create and Enhance Natural Areas Around Your Home, is a self-directed book. It will guide participants through the process of developing and implementing projects to enhance their land's natural resources.

Each participant will receive a full color, 108-page copy of The Woods in Your Backyard manual (a $29 value).

The webinars will be held January 11, 18, 25; February 1, 8, 15, 22; March 1, 8.

Registration is required to receive the link to access the webinars. Registrants will also receive access to the webinar recordings.

Click Here to register and for more information.

(Reprinted from Penn State Extension Community Trees newsletter.)

[Posted: October 14, 2022]  PA Environment Digest

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