A United Methodist Insight Column
As Congress prepares to take up President Biden’s “Build Back Better” infrastructure bill, there’s good news for United Methodist climate advocates.
Jeff St. John of Canary Media writes in “The House’s big budget reconciliation bill would be a bonanza for clean energy:”
“Tax credits and direct-pay provisions for a panoply of clean energy and carbon-reduction technologies. Incentives to expand and strengthen the nation’s power grids, encourage adoption of electric vehicles and electrify buildings. And a program to push U.S. utilities to make use of these technologies to reach an 80 percent carbon-free electricity supply by 2030.
“These are the key energy and climate provisions in the text of the Build Back Better bill released by Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives late last week. They’re seen as the best shot for federal policy that could deliver the emissions-reduction goals set by the Biden administration, including achieving a zero-carbon grid by 2035.”
If you’re inclined toward public advocacy, this week offers a good time to call your congressional representatives and ask them to back “Build Back Better.”
Jeff St. John also takes note of a state-level development in Illinois’ landmark 100% clean energy bill is headed toward passage:
“The sprawling bill would bail out nuclear, fund clean energy, boost workforce training — and allow the state’s largest coal plant to stay open through 2038.
“… The 83–33 House vote, largely along party lines, puts the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act on a path for passage early next week by the Democratic-controlled Senate, which passed a nearly identical bill last week. Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker, who has pushed the compromise bill, has pledged to sign it, which would make Illinois the 11th state to pass a mandate for 100 percent carbon-free energy.”
What’s the status of clean energy initiatives in your state and annual conference?
Conferences seek to help churches recover from Ida’s storms
Indiana aid
United Methodist conferences are pitching in to help churches recover from Hurricane Ida. Indiana Annual Conference created a helpful graphic describing ways that United Methodists can help with hurricane recovery (see illustration at right).
Communicator John W. Coleman writes in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference NEWSpirit:
“The Eastern PA Conference wants to help hard-hit local churches and communities recover from severe damages inflicted by the remnant of Hurricane Ida as it swept through the Northeast region Sept. 2.
“Several churches and numerous communities were ravaged by flooding and high winds, as one of the strongest hurricanes in recent memory wreaked havoc and historic destruction on Louisiana Aug. 29-30 and then careened northeast as far as Eastern PA, New Jersey and New York. At least seven tornadoes also touched down in our area.
“Among the counties hardest hit by the storm were Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia. A handful of UM churches reported damages and sought to remove water, mud, and soaked debris from their buildings with the help of volunteers and donations. But further remediation will be a long, hard, and expensive process for some.”
Saying ‘I love you’ saves lives
If you’ve ever struggled with thoughts of suicide or know someone who has, you may want to read Loren Negron’s article for Spokane FAVS: It’s National Suicide Prevention Month. Remember to Say “I Love You.” As we reported previously, the coronavirus pandemic has caused a spike in suicides over the past year, so the 2021 observance is much needed.
Coronavirus update
While the Delta variant of coronavirus continues to make inroads, National Geographic reports “The Mu variant is on the rise. Scientists weigh in on how much to worry.” A key finding thus far: “Laboratory studies suggest this variant may be better at avoiding the immune system but lags Delta when it comes to transmission and infecting cells.” As of today’s date, some 658,000 Americans have died of coronavirus, including a California couple who leave behind five children, the youngest only 3 weeks old, delivered by Caesarean section while her mother was intubated and unconscious, dying of COVID-19.
For the love of God and the sake of your families, get vaccinated, people!
Media Mentions as of Sept. 13, 2021
As vaccine mandates multiply, so do requests for religious exemptions - Buffalo News
Climate activists are being killed for trying to save our planet. There is a way to help – The Guardian
Church transforms second-hand container into medical clinic - Effingham Herald
The gift that keeps on giving: Local church donates $1,000 worth of gas to SAR team in LA | WPMI – NBC 15 WPMI
Reflecting on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 - United Methodist Church of the Resurrection - Leawood
'The story is still unfolding': 10 Americans on how 9/11 changed their faith lives – Religion News Service
Religious organizations prepare for 'potential onslaught' of evictions - Religion News Service
9/11 became a catalyst for interfaith relations and cooperation - Religion News Service
Bishop John Shelby Spong, firebrand who championed LGBTQ inclusion, has died – Religion News Service
Evangelical Lutheran church installs 1st transgender bishop - Religion News Service
Religion News Service
Want to help slow immigration to the U.S.? Address global hunger – Baptist News Global
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.