Texas Impact is thrilled to announce that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has introduced the new ENERGY STAR for Congregations! This is a transformational step in improving collaboration between the EPA and houses of worship to help Congregations save up to 30% on their energy bills and protect the Creation.
If America's more than 370,000 houses of worship cut energy use by 10% (a tithe!) ...

Whether you need help yourself or are trying to help someone else, Texas has several sources of energy-related assistance. The following information highlights the largest programs. We've also included a link to the LIRAP program, which helps repair and replace vehicles that fail state-mandated emissions tests.

July 8, 2009 Update

This Tuesday, the Vatican released the Holy Father's third encyclical letter, "Caritas in Veritate" (Charity in Truth), emphasizing that "charity demands justice: recognition and respect for the legitimate rights of individuals and peoples."  Focused primarily on international economic issues, Pope Benedict calls for a "true world political authority" to promote the common good of all and for "greater social responsibility" by businesses.

In this context, Benedict XVI devotes the fourth chapter of the encyclical to  "The development of people, rights and duties, the environment."  Here, the pope says that, "The environment is God's gift to everyone, and in our use of it we have a responsibility towards the poor, towards future generations and towards humanity as a whole."

A total of 140 moderate Baptist leaders signed a June 18 letter urging passage of a comprehensive energy bill that includes caps on emissions linked to global warming.  The letter urges strengthening and support for the "American Clean Energy and Security Act" and calls for increased support for the "marginalized and those most at risk" from climate change.  Read the full letter with signatures here.

Robert Parham, executive director of the Baptist Center for Ethics, endorsed the cuirrent legislation in a May 28 editorial on the BCE website EthicsDaily.com: "Our faith calls us to care for creation and the poor in the concrete, not in the abstract," Parham wrote. "Protecting the environment protects the marginalized. One realistic step toward protecting both is supporting the House climate bill."

United Methodist Peace and Justice Educator Bren Hardt was published this morning in the Houston Chronicle.  Her letter, linking national efforts to address climate change to the weather damage seen in her garden, can be found here.

On Wednesday, May 27th, 2009, almost 100 people gathered in Houston for the inaugural event of Houston Interfaith Power and Light, “Faith Voices for the Earth: A Contemplative Candlelight Service.” Mayor Bill White addressed the gathering, urging people to consider the earth and ecological concerns from a place of humility and respect. Religious leaders included Zen Teacher Gaelyn Godwin, Rabbi Robert Haas, Reverend Lisa Hunt, Reverend David Keyes, Sister Ceil Roeger, and Reverend Jeremy Rutledge. Music was offered by members of the Covenant Church choir and the Houston Civic Symphony.

The service closed with lovely cello music on the outdoor labyrinth under the light of the moon. The event’s organizer and host, Reverend Jeremy Rutledge, submitted the following on the subject of the vigil and on Houston IPL’s beginnings:

"It is fitting that Houston should have the first city chapter of Interfaith Power and Light. As the nation's energy capital, and a city of extraordinary religious diversity, we hope to play a key role in linking the ways we produce and consume energy and the moral and ethical teachings of our faith traditions."  Read the full story here.

On Saturday, May 9th, 40 people from different faith traditions gathered in Cedar Park, TX around a common cause: care for our planet.  In prayer, poetry, pictures and song, religious leaders called for action to heal the earth.

The vigil was held the evening before Mother's Day, the day first envisioned in the U.S. as a "Mother's Day for Peace," a day to work for peace in the world.  In that spirit, the vigil focused on peace and justice for the Earth and all its inhabitants.
Read more here.

This year marks the second year that Texans can save money in two ways: in the short term thanks to a sales tax holiday on purchases of Energy Star products, and in the long term through energy savings from their use. The Texas Legislature established Texas' Energy Star sales tax holiday in 2007 as part of HB3693, a comprehensive energy efficiency bill which Texas religious communities helped to support. Texas is the fourth state to adopt an energy efficiency sales tax holiday.

The Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday is May 23rd - May 25th, 2009. The products qualifying for the exemption are:

As people of faith in Texas and around the United States celebrate Earth Day, TXIPL is happy to pass along one small example of action being taken in another part of the world as congregations work to combat global warming.

In the ancient Middle-eastern city of Hebron, there is a large structure that holds a considerable amount of significance for Muslims, Christians, and Jews, as it sits over the supposed burial place of Abraham, Sarah, and other figures who played central roles in the Abrahamic religions. On a recent trip to the site, which contains the historic Ibrahimi Mosque, I snapped these photos of the mosque's interior, which is lit by chandeliers using compact fluorescent light bulbs. (See below for more.)

All are welcome to attend this free screening of “Fighting Goliath” at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 7:00 p.m. Following the film presentation, Ryan Rittenhouse, a member of SEED (Sustainable Energy and Environmental Development), will lead a discussion and question period.

Click here for more information about the film and to find out how you can get a free copy for your congregation!