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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Hearing on Proposed  Advanced Clean Vehicle Standards Coming Soon!

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We are just a few weeks out from the November 13-15 hearings in which the Environmental Improvement Board and Albuquerque Bernalillo Air Quality Board will decide whether or not to adopt the proposed Advanced Clean Vehicle Standards.  Note The hearings go until the 15th but there are no public comment opportunities on that final day.

At NM IPL we have been working closely with other environmental and public health groups to organize around supporting these standards. The big push and most important advocacy ask we have of you right now is this: provide public comment in support of adopting these standards. Comments can be written, given in-person, or virtually. All details provided below.

Opposition to these proposed standards is growing and we expect voices of misinformation and oil and gas interests to be loud at these hearings. We need faith folks to uplift the moral imperative of moving forward on action for climate and for health of our sacred communities.

 What? Advanced Clean Vehicle Standards, joint hearings with Environmental Improvement Board and Albuquerque Bernalillo Air Quality Board

Where? NM State Bar 521 Masthead St. NE, ABQ 87109 AND virtually

When? Nov 13th-15th

How long? up to 3 minutes are allotted for public comment

Accessibility? Spanish language interpretation will be available

In-person AND virtual public comment opportunities are as follows:

 ●      Nov. 13 from noon-1pm

●      Nov. 13 from 5-6 pm

●      Nov. 14 from 9-10 am

●      Nov. 14 from 1-2 pm

If you wish to give public comment either in person or virtually, please email clara@nm-ipl.org with your name, email, and the time slot(s) during which you want to speak. Please also indicate whether you plan to do so in-person or online. 

Written public comment can be submitted here. The sooner the better for sending in written comment, in order to ensure that it is considered by the EIB and ABAQB boards. Written comments will be accepted until November 15th but we strongly recommend they be submitted by Nov 13th to ensure they are considered.

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