Environment

WE SUPPORT GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

In Christian traditions, we use the term stewardship to describe our responsibility as humans to protect and preserve the environment for now and future generations. The Council holds up the following principles that support good stewardship of our creation:

· That policymakers weigh the impact of economic progress on natural resources. This includes use of raw material resources that are scarce and/or finite, as well as preservation of forests, wildlife habitats, waterways, and other environmentally sensitive, vulnerable, and irreplaceable natural assets.

· That policymakers give priority to considering options that promote energy efficiency, wiser use of natural resources, development and use of renewable and alternative energy sources, and that set appropriate controls for pollution emissions from vehicles, machinery, and businesses.

· That all persons engage in a simplified lifestyle—living, to the extent possible, in harmony with nature.

· That all persons engage in activities that avoid over-consumption and waste.

Read the Council’s policy statement on the Environment.

Clean Water Starts Here  ØØØØ

 

The Pennsylvania Council of Churches is
working with the Choose Clean Water
Coalition for clean water—and more
specifically, for the passage of  S 1816/
HR 3852, The Chesapeake Bay Clean
Water and Ecosystem Restoration Act. This groundbreaking legislation will have a dramatic affect on reducing nutrient pollution and helping to restore water quality for the Chesapeake Bay and the thousands of miles of rivers and streams that crisscross its 64,000 square-mile watershed—including the entire Susquehanna River watershed.

 

Currently, not one Pennsylvania legislator has signed on as a co-sponsor or given his/her public support for this important bill. It’s time for this to change!

 

PLEASE JOIN US BY TAKING ACTION to ensure the passage of this historic legislation. You can also view a video and sign a petition to support Chesapeake Bay legislation at http://www.restoringourwaters.org/.

 

Clergy and lay leaders: Please sign a letter to Pennsylvania’s Senators and Representatives urging them to support clean water. Download a printer friendly copy here.

 

Individuals who are not clergy or lay leaders: Download postcards to send to Pennsylvania’s Senators and your Representative. Congregations are encouraged to collect signatures on cards—three per person for both senators and a representative) and send them to the Council for delivery to legislators.

 

Download a fact sheet and talking points for the Chesapeake Bay Clean Water and Ecosystem Restoration Act.

 

Help us now to create a better environment for everyone!