Rev. Harry Eberts: Reducing vehicle emissions can help preserve creation

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Photo: First Presbyterian Church (Santa Fe)

Rev. Harry Eberts, pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Santa Fe, added his voice to faith leaders advocating for New Mexico to adopt Advanced Clean Car standards ahead of important hearings in November. Here are excerpts of an opinion piece in the Santa Fe New Mexican (followed by a link to the full op-ed)

As a faith leader and pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe, a congregation that is working to reduce our environmental footprint, I believe each of us is called to respond to this moment in ways that move us toward responsibly caring for the gifts of creation we have been given.

I am grateful that in November, New Mexico leaders will be called to such a response as they consider the governor’s recommendation to adopt advanced clean vehicle standards. Updating these standards will require auto and truck manufacturers to deliver an increasing number of electric vehicles for sale in the region, creating jobs, broader accessibility, cleaner air and helping us significantly curb statewide carbon emissions.

Our Environmental Improvement Board and Albuquerque Bernalillo Air Quality Board will have the opportunity to adopt these standards up to 2035 so we are afforded the best chance at making our state healthier and more equitable for all New Mexicans

This opportunity is made even more important because of incoming federal legislation over the next decade that will continue to help create electric vehicle infrastructure, especially charging stations. Such infrastructure is a necessity in our very rural state where many people must travel long distances as a regular part of their lives and work. This is New Mexico’s opportunity to ensure no one is left behind in the transformation and advancement of our transportation systems.

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Take the Cool Congregations Challenge

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The Cool Congregations Challenge, is an annual national contest to recognize “Cool Congregations” that are becoming energy efficient and sustainable role models within their communities. The contest is brought to you by Interfaith Power & Light, a nonprofit organization inspiring and mobilizing people of faith and conscience to take bold and just action on climate. There are no fees to enter.

Application period opens November 1 each year. Deadline for entries, December 15.

Get ready to enter the Challenge!

Due to Covid the project eligibility window has been expanded again for 2024. Projects completed in 2021, 2022, and 2023 will be eligible to apply. Deadline Dec 15, 2023, awards announced in February 2024.

NEW! Electric Vehicle Leader category for congregations that have encouraged EV adoption. This category includes: EVs (Congregants and Staff) • Congregational EV Charging Stations • Outreach • Educating and Advocating for EVs.  (Includes all-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and electric bikes. If your congregation is working on reducing transportation emission through public transportation or carpooling, apply to the Community Inspiration category.)

Categories:

  • Energy Saver
  • Renewable Role Model
  • Cool Planner
  • Electric Vehicle Leader
  • Sacred Grounds category
  • Community Inspiration category

Choose Your Entry Form

Fall Gathering: Closing Blessing

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As we go forth into this threshold time of seasons changing and looking ahead to the turning of the year, we offer to you a closing blessing from Clara Sims,  IPL NM/EP assistant executive director.

Photo by Caryl McHarney, Sprout award recipient

Great and moving mystery who gathers us together –

Bless us as we go to be people whose commitment to renewal shines as radiant as the sun.

Bless us to be people who listen to the teachers who are singing, speaking, shouting from each corner of this vast creation –

Bless us to be people who listen to Stars, to Swallowtails, to Dandelions growing through the cracks of concrete sidewalks, defying their own displacement – daring us to defy our own destruction.

Bless us to people who turn toward one another and our wounds with questions of courage and conviction and commitment to the kaleidoscope of wisdom, beauty and truth that grace the great diversity of cultures and traditions which are rising from the Earth.

Bless us to be people who know that the strength of Spirit is always moving in us – mysteriously, magnificently, mischievously – multiplying our efforts, our prayers, our longings, our dreams for tomorrows undivided.

Bless us most especially to be people who are healers – people building with our words and our hands a world that is known by no other name than sacred.

Bless it be.