On Wednesday, Dec 3, IREJN’s Executive Director and fifteen clergy from around the state met with Governor Lamont and his Chief of Staff, Matt Brokman, to discuss energy efficiency and clean energy. Our primary ask was that the Governor release bonding for energy efficiency measures, such as “barrier remediation,” which helps low-income residents remove health and safety hazards, such as mold, lead, and asbestos. The utilities report that 25%-30% of their income-eligible customers have one or more of these barriers, which prevents them from participating in the weatherization programs.
Our meeting with the Governor was productive! Clergy representing different faith traditions spoke on several different topics, such as the moral imperative for caring for the planet, energy efficiency/barrier remediation, affordability, and clean energy. Rev. Davida even presented him with his own copy of “Here Comes the Sun!” The Governor listed intently to statements from different clergy and we then had an excellent conversation, during which he reiterated his support for energy efficiency. He stated that the energy efficiency funding was on the agenda for the next Bond Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 18. We are hopeful that this funding will be released at that time, which will provide health benefits, reduce energy costs, and improve quality of life for people struggling in Connecticut. The list of attendees and our agenda are listed below. Many thanks to Deborah Boone for the photos!
- Terri Eickel , Interreligious Eco-Justice Network
- Bishop Phillip Boone, Cathedral of Higher Praise, New Haven
- Rev. Tom Carr, American Baptist Conference of USA, Windsor
- Rev. Albert Bailey, Shiloh Baptist Church, Hartford
- Rev. Lisa Dahill, Hartford International University for Religion and Peace, Hartford
- Pastor Shawn Fisher, Bloomfield Congregational Church
- Rev. Davida Crabtree (ret), First Congregational Church of Windsor
- Rev. Nancy Leckerling, IREJN Board member, First Congregational Church of Guilford
- Rev. Perkin Simpson, Generation Power CT, Asylum Ave Baptist Church, Hartford
- Rev. Nancy Wright, Green Team for the New England Lutheran Synod
- Cantor Harriet Dunkerly, Temple Bnai Chaim, Wilton
- Father Mike Johnson, Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry, Hartford
- Rev. Jacqueline Harvey, First Baptist Church of Norwich
- Venerable Shim Bo, White Lotus Haven Zen of Connecticut, Canton
- Rev. Terri Dennehy, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Stamford
- Father Bob Washabaugh, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Norwich
- Peter Festa, IREJN Board member
Agenda
- Introduction and framing – Terri Eickel, IREJN
- Moral Imperative –Rev. Albert Bailey, Jr., Shiloh Baptist Church
- Energy Efficiency & Barrier Remediation –– Pastor Shawn Fisher, Bloomfield Congregational Church
- Affordability –- Father Mike Johnson, Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry
- Clean Energy. – Rev. Davida Crabtree
- Asks – Cantor Harriet Dunkerley, Temple B’nai Chaim
- Turn to Governor Lamont for thoughts
