For Immediate Release: January 23, 2025 

Statement from Interfaith Power & Light — a national organization that works in all 50 states and U.S. territories to inspire and mobilize people of faith and conscience to take bold and just action on climate change – on the decision to suspend national operations, and look to network of Interfaith Power & Light state and regional affiliates to continue to lead and advance mission:

“After much careful deliberation, the board of Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) National has made the difficult decision to suspend its central office’s operations, effective January 17, 2025.  To be clear, the work of the state affiliates, each its own independent entity, continues unabated, and it is from these groups that much of the IPL network’s prodigious output has come over the years, and will continue to emerge.  

“Despite the unwavering passion and commitment of our staff, partners, and supporters, the national NGO, that offered logistical and other support to the network of IPL affiliates, faced financial challenges that it was unable to overcome – even as the impact of the network as a whole came to be ever more centered in the affiliates.

“Still, IPL national’s efforts have been transformative: mobilizing advocates to facilitate the passage of historic climate legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act; supporting and funding sustainability projects at houses of worship across the country, and highlighting exemplars as Cool Congregations; educating and engaging hundreds of thousands of people of faith through programs like Faith Climate Action Week; faithfully testifying before agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency to pass groundbreaking rules for climate progress; and much more. These efforts have made a deep impact within and beyond the IPL network, with many of them on their way to being re-visited and re-housed elsewhere.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated staff at the national office, a few of whom have worked for Interfaith Power & Light for decades, who have poured their hearts into advancing the work of caring for our Sacred Earth. We celebrate their many accomplishments – and alongside the affiliate network, we are now discerning how these initiatives might take new shape in the emerging collaborative future we’re building together.  

“We also want to thank our passionate network of supporters across the country, people of all faiths and traditions, who have supported and joined our work of creating a more just and sustainable future for all. That work continues unabated, ably led by the affiliates themselves, through its Network Steering Committee.  

“IPL state and regional affiliates across the country have been, and continue to, mobilize people of faith and conscience into action. IPL affiliates are independent 501c3 organizations, committed to working locally to advance climate justice and build sustainable communities – and they do so in connection and collaboration with one another, as well as with treasured partners across the faith and environmental landscape. We encourage all our supporters, donors, funders, and partners who have supported the national IPL network to find and connect with, or to redouble your support for, your local affiliate, as they continue to lead on climate action in your community.

“We remain hopeful that the foundation we have built together – the relationships, the advocacy, the programs, and the momentum we have generated – will continue to serve as a catalyst for progress. Our faith traditions and spiritual practices call us together in the shared belief that we must care for this planet and for those most impacted by the climate crisis. The work continues on across this network and within each of us.”

For more information about Interfaith Power & Light, please visit www.interfaithpowerandlight.org. 

Media Contact (Volunteers on the IPL Network Steering Committee):

K Ruth, Executive Director, Pennsylvania IPL, director@paipl.org (717) 424-8560 

Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb, IPL Board, fred@coejl.org (202) 271-9441 

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For Immediate Release: January 14, 2025

Washington, DC – After seven years of leadership, and 14 years as a part of the greater Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) network, Rev. Susan Hendershot has announced her departure from the role of President of IPL, effective January 15, 2025. Rev. Hendershot stepped into the role in 2018 with over three decades of nonprofit experience, including having served previously as the Executive Director of Iowa Interfaith Power & Light.

A trailblazer in the environmental movement, Rev. Hendershot also served as a member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council under the Biden Administration, the Steering Committee of the National Environmental Network (U.S.), the Mosaic Governance Assembly, and the Climate Action Task Force of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. 

In her time as IPL President, Rev. Hendershot worked to deepen the organization’s values of equity and justice. She strengthened the national presence of IPL, establishing an office in Washington D.C. and increasing the organization’s advocacy efforts. Rev. Hendershot invested in building relationships with partners, with IPL state affiliates, and with local communities through programs like Cool Congregations.

Staff, IPL Network affiliate leaders, and board members expressed gratitude and well wishes to Rev. Hendershot as she transitions from the role. Executive director of Texas Impact (an IPL affiliate organization), Bee Moorhead, said of her long-time colleague Rev. Hendershot:

“Susan has been a treasured colleague for many years. In particular, she has provided vital U.S. faith leadership in the global climate negotiation process, helping to advance key faith priorities like the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund. Happily, Susan will remain an active leader in the climate solutions community—I look forward to continuing to work with her.”

Bill Bradlee, senior organizing director and affiliate liaison at IPL, said of his many years working with Rev. Hendershot:

“The staff at the IPL national office extend our deepest gratitude to Rev. Susan Hendershot, whose unwavering grace and compassion as President have positively impacted the Interfaith Power & Light network. Susan’s dedication and care for all have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire those who lead the critical work of Interfaith Power & Light.”

Chair of the Interfaith Power & Light board and chief executive officer of the Re-Amp Network, Melissa Gavin, who worked closely with Rev. Hendershot as they led the organization forward, offered words of gratitude:

“On behalf of the Interfaith Power & Light National Board, I want to heartily thank Rev. Susan Hendershot for her leadership over the past seven years and her unique contributions to Interfaith Power & Light National. In particular, Susan has played a crucial role in developing IPL into an increasingly high-functioning network, managing impactful programs and policy advocacy, and creating a welcoming place for IPL staff, board, and affiliates, and all while leading with empathy and clarity. We will miss her kind, cheerful outlook, her steadying presence, and her ability to help people feel at ease amidst challenging situations. We truly wish her well in her next endeavor.”

Rev. Dr. Gerald L. Durley, pastor emeritus of Providence Missionary Baptist Church, and board chair emeritus of IPL, shared a parting message to Rev. Hendershot as she moves on from her time as President:

“Susan, you can leave feeling and knowing that you faithfully and successfully accomplished all the Board of Directors, the affiliates, and God assigned unto your hands to do. I’m reminded that the wise monarch, King Solomon, told us that, ‘there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.’ The apostle Paul said, ‘be ye not weary in well doing for you will reap in due season if you faint not.’ Susan, you did not faint, but continued to do well and because you have been faithful, for five years, this is your due season! 

“Your accomplishments in moving IPL forward will be remembered and deeply appreciated for years to come. I can hear the message being echoed, ‘well done thy good and faithful servant,’ because you gave your time and talent, you can now enter in and enjoy your due season. Susan, go forth and be a blessing to whoever and wherever God leads you.”

Media Contact: Jessica Quinn, communications manager, jessica@interfaithpowerandlight.org, (603) 731-7088

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About Interfaith Power & Light: Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) is a national organization that inspires and mobilizes people of faith and conscience to take bold and just action on climate change. IPL works in all 50 states and U.S. territories with a broad national network of state- and regional-level affiliates. For more information please visit www.interfaithpowerandlight.org. 

The summer of 2024 IPL partnered with Bullfrog Films to bring the documentary film, “Cooked: Survival by Zip Code”, to your attention for your summer film screenings. Click the image above to view the trailer.

This summer of 2024 was the hottest on record according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with temperatures 30 to 50 percent above normal in much of the United States. Extreme heat harms human health, especially the elderly and outdoor workers, with 2300 deaths nationwide in 2023, a number that is increasing annually.

Cooked: Survival by Zip Code delves into the story of the worst heat disaster in U.S. history in 1995 in Chicago, when 739 residents—mostly elderly and black—died over the course of one week. The film links the deadly heat wave’s devastation back to the manmade disaster of structural racism, shining a light on the issues of poverty, race, class, and education that underlie how natural disasters take lives.

Bullfrog Films offered a 50% discount on the screening license for IPL congregations between June 15 – July 15, 2024. The license valued at $100, was available for IPL congregations for this limited time for only $50. That discount is over, but you can still purchase a screening license or a dvd from Bullfrog films to show this important film.

Purchase your license to screen the film with Bullfrog Films.

This film screening license allows you to charge admission! If you decide to charge admission, consider sharing some of the funds you raise with Interfaith Power & Light so we can continue negotiating quality film screening deals for you. Donate here.

“Cooked is a jolting reminder of the tragedy, and a scathing indictment of the social conditions that allowed so many to die – with the overwhelming majority of victims being minorities, the elderly, the poor…For those who don’t know the story: You need to see this movie.”

Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun Times

Our new climate policies reducing the emissions that contribute to extreme heat are under attack. Pair a screening and discussion with the invitation for your screening attendees to sign IPL’s Defend our Climate petition.

Disclaimer: Some scenes may be difficult to watch, especially for those who have lost loved ones due to extreme heat or Covid. (ie. body bags being carted away.)

For Immediate Release: January 6, 2025

Statement from the Rev. Susan Hendershot, President of Interfaith Power & Light – a national organization that works in all 50 states and U.S. territories to inspire and mobilize people of faith and conscience to take bold and just action on climate change – on stepping down as President of IPL after seven years of leadership.

“It has been an honor to serve as Interfaith Power & Light’s President for the past seven years – and to have been a part of the greater IPL network for 14 years. It is with deep emotion and gratitude that I step down as president on January 15, 2025.

“I leave this position with immense pride for the work that IPL has accomplished under my tenure. When I began as President, the first thing I did was undertake a listening tour to take stock of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing IPL and our Network. I met with national staff, national board members, state affiliate leaders, partners, and funders—to establish a set of key themes and recommendations.

“In my final weeks as President, I reflected on those themes and recommendations and was pleased to find many of them had been accomplished. IPL underwent a rebrand to create imagery and messaging that felt inclusive and welcoming to all, and that truly reflected our interfaith identity.

“In an effort to center IPL on values of equity, inclusion, and justice, a statement was drafted and adopted in 2020 to publicly proclaim those values. This statement has guided the work of IPL through all of our programs, advocacy, and internal processes. 

“To strengthen the national presence of IPL, we established a national office in Washington D.C. and worked to increase our advocacy efforts around federal policymaking. IPL has solidified its position with both faith and secular partners, and established a strong relationship with the Biden Administration, the EPA, the Department of Energy, the Treasury Department, FEMA, and many congressional offices. 

“We worked to establish a Network Steering Committee made up of leaders from IPL state affiliates, and national staff, that functions to make democratic decisions, increase trust and transparency, and strengthen relationships across the national network.

“And to strengthen our programs, we expanded and invested in the Cool Congregations program, which has incentivized and encouraged the greening of congregations nationwide and empowered people of faith to be leaders of sustainability in their communities.

“I hope that my leadership has paved the way for the team and a new leader to take IPL to the next level of its potential. I have poured my heart, my creativity, and my energy into IPL for the past seven years because I believe in this incredible organization, and its power to create a better future. 

“Thank you to the IPL staff team, board members, the Network Steering Committee, the leaders and teams at state and regional IPL’s, our partners, and our many incredible supporters without whom IPL’s work would not be possible. 

“I am confident in the future of Interfaith Power & Light because I have seen, time and time again, the commitment, the love, and the dedication of people of faith and conscience in the movement to create a better future for our Sacred Earth and all which inhabits it.”

For more information about Interfaith Power & Light, please visit www.interfaithpowerandlight.org. 

Media Contact: Jessica Quinn, jessica@interfaithpowerandlight.org, (603)731-7088

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Happy New Year!

Following the election in November, this January will be filled with ceremonies and the swearing in of our newly elected officials in Congress, the Administration, and of course, the new President.

The change in the administration will bring new folks to Washington D.C., which will have ripple effects on the District. Who lives in the White House can not only impact the culture and overall feeling of the city, but can also impact the ability of Washington D.C. to maintain its autonomy to self govern. Attacks on DC’s self governance will likely rise under the Trump administration and 119th Congress. As people of faith who believe in protecting and upholding a healthy democracy, promoting DC Statehood is imperative to ensure a thriving democracy for all. 

The Latest on Climate Policy

The end of 2024 was a sprint to pass a new government funding bill. Moments after the deadline, Congress passed another short term funding bill (aka a Continuing Resolution or CR).

A major piece of the negotiations that we were keeping an eye on was the The Energy Permitting Reform Act. The bill would have undermined bedrock environmental laws (including NEPA), endangered public health, and expedited the exploitation of our federal lands and waters for oil and gas leasing. The bill was not successfully attached to a budget bill, and therefore did not pass! This was another great victory against Manchin’s dirty deals. Thank you to our grassroots leaders and partners who advocated against the bill, instead focusing on promoting equitable permitting reform. 

On a related note, the Supreme Court heard a case in December that could challenge the scope of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). In Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Utah’s Seven County Infrastructure Coalition and a Utah railway company are asking the Supreme Court to overturn a federal appeals court decision tossing out the approval of an 88-mile railway through the Uinta Basin in northeastern Utah. That decision said the U.S. Surface Transportation Board violated NEPA by failing to fully analyze the railway’s potential harm to the climate, wildlife, the Colorado River and people, including environmental justice communities along the Gulf Coast. Read more from Earthjustice here.

Finalized Hydrogen Rule

The U.S. Treasury Department announced the final rule regarding tax credits for hydrogen. The rule defines how companies can obtain tax credits for hydrogen under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. The final rules are slightly weaker and offer more flexibility than the original proposed rule, but still look to ensure that new hydrogen production doesn’t result in additional greenhouse gas emissions on the grid. The largest support (up to $3 per kilogram) goes to “green hydrogen” which is produced from renewable energy.  

The newly finalized rule supports use of carbon capture and renewable natural gas, but mostly requires industry to use new clean energy added to the grid to produce hydrogen. Hydrogen producers will get two extra years — until 2030 — before they are required to buy clean electricity on an hourly basis to match their output. Nuclear power plants will be able to secure tax credits to produce clean hydrogen if the credits help to prevent reactors from retiring. These changes are not ideal for addressing climate change, but the overall rule still moves us in the right direction. It’s expected that the new rules and tax credit will help spur on a clean hydrogen industry, 

IPL only supports hydrogen that’s green, which is produced with renewable energy. Green hydrogen, if properly implemented, could supplement and complement electrification. 

Offshore Drilling — good news!

President Biden has announced the withdrawal of the East coast, West coast, and Eastern Gulf of Mexico as well as the additional portions of the Northern Bering Sea in Alaska from consideration for future offshore drilling forever! Read the White House’s fact sheet here and President Biden’s statement here. This is great news for protecting our Sacred Earth from harmful extractive economies, but the work is not done to ensure the 119th Congress and the new Administration understand these are wanted protections and avoid any measures to undo them.

Action Opportunities 

Urge the New Congress to Stand Strong for Climate! 

With a new President and Congress about to take office, climate solutions that protect our Sacred Earth and beloved communities will be under attack.

The incoming President and several new Members of Congress are backed by fossil fuel companies, and have promised to slash the protections our faith communities have fought for including, protections on clean air and water, undermining investments in clean energy, and weakening the protections keeping Americans safe from extreme weather. We must stand together and fight back!

Make your voice heard: sign this petition to tell the new Congress to stand up against attempts to undo these important protections. The deadline to sign is January 10th.

With a new President and Congress about to take office, climate solutions that protect our Sacred Earth and beloved communities will be under attack.

The incoming President and several new Members of Congress are backed by fossil fuel companies, and have promised to slash the protections our faith communities have fought for including, protections on clean air and water, undermining investments in clean energy, and weakening the protections keeping Americans safe from extreme weather. We must stand together and fight back!

Make your voice heard: sign this petition to tell the new Congress to stand up against attempts to undo these important protections.

During my family’s Thanksgiving celebration, I took a quiet moment to give thanks for the people who participated in and made possible Interfaith Power & Light’s nonpartisan Faith Votes Campaign this year. As I did, I was reminded of how IPL President Rev. Susan Hendershot opened her post-election statement with gratitude:  

“In the immediate aftermath of this election, I want to extend my deep gratitude to the election workers, the volunteers, and everyone who went out to cast their ballot to ensure our democracy reflects the voices of all Americans. Your dedication and commitment to the democratic process reflect our moral call, as people of faith, to live out our values in the public square. At Interfaith Power & Light, we recognize elections are about more than the votes cast, but about the voices heard, and about the collective hope for a better future for our nation and our Sacred Earth.”

With seven in 10 U.S. adults describing themselves as spiritual in some way, IPL’s Faith Votes Campaign sought to inspire and mobilize people of faith and conscience to express their faithful values through voting in 2024. 

Here’s a look at IPL’s 2024 Faith Votes Campaign by the numbers:

• 4 IPL affiliates – Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Faith in Place (for Wisconsin) – partnered with IPL to focus on their states for this campaign. 
• 58 people registered to vote through the four affiliates’ on-the-ground organizing efforts.
• 1,180 people pledged to vote, with most doing so during IPL’s 2024 Faith Climate Action Week.
• 941 unique visitors made 1,212 visits to our BallotReady-powered online voter education platform, where voters could check their voter registration status or register, make a plan on where and how to vote, learn about the candidates and measures on their ballot, and more.
• 4,362 people received IPL’s multi-issue Faithful Voter Reflection Guide via digital download, in-person events, or online order. Thirteen IPL affiliates and 18 national organizations endorsed the guide. 
• 43 messages were offered to congregations on the importance of civic engagement and voting through the lens of faith.
• 260 new volunteers were welcomed by our four affiliates to participate in their campaigns, including 54 new volunteer leaders.
• Affiliate volunteers participated in 745 volunteer shifts offered by the affiliates and/or their partners.
• 84 community leaders, including 33 new relationships, engaged with the campaign thanks to affiliate outreach.
• Hundreds attended and viewed our two campaign webinars – “Voting: A Matter of Faith: Preaching on the Importance of Voting” and “Faithful Voter Reflection Guide.”
• 89 people downloaded one or both of our digital resources:
  • “A Matter of Faith: Message Starters, Prayers, Litanies, and Other Resources for Considering Voting Through the Lens of Faith”, 
  • “Politics in the Pulpit: A Guide to Rules and Regulations on Political Activity by Religious Organizations.”
• IPL participated in Power The Polls’ National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, inviting our supporters to power our democracy by signing up to become poll workers.
• IPL also participated with hundreds of organizations in four civic holidays: National Voter Registration Day, National Voter Education Week, Vote Early Day, and Election Hero Day.

Within these numbers are powerful stories from our four affiliates that we worked closely with as focus states, which included us re-granting funding to them for capacity to do this work. The following stories represent just a few of the many examples of meaningful outreach done by our focus state affiliates:

Arizona Interfaith Power & Light (AZIPL) partnered with the Arizona Faith Network to hold a faith community forum for candidates for the Arizona Corporation Commission, a powerful elected body making policy decisions on energy, water, pipelines, and corporations. In late September, 29 faith communities and climate organizations participated in the forum in Tempe and at remote “watch sites” in Prescott and Tucson. The program was important for ensuring public accountability from each candidate on issues like the climate crisis, extreme heat and safety, and fair rates for utility customers.

Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL) provided $8,500 in funding to support congregations in its Get Out The Vote efforts. GIPL Green Teams sent over 1.25 million texts urging faithful participation in the General Election, and its outreach, done in partnership with ProGeorgia, registered 32 people to vote.

Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light’s (PAIPL) Faith in Public Life campaign registered 23 voters through its partnerships with PA Voice and Refugee Civic Action. PAIPL Fellow Vincent Pham reflected on his experience working with partners to register three immigrant-citizen voters and asking “who are alienated by the American political process?” at the start of civic engagement outreach.

Faith in Place strengthened its grassroots network in Wisconsin by working with many new partners including Forward Together Wisconsin and organizing a community-wide, multi-partner civic engagement festival called Fall into Hope Voter Fest in Milwaukee as part of its Vote for Climate Justice initiative.

As Rev. Hendershot concluded in her post-election statement:

“Our work rests on the shoulders of generations of climate advocates and environmental justice leaders, and we will continue that work because it is our moral calling to do so. The work of Interfaith Power & Light will be more important in the coming months than maybe ever before, and we need you with us in this movement.”

Learn more about IPL’s civic engagement initiatives in 2020 and 2022.

Mike Kennedy was the Faith Votes Campaign Manager for Interfaith Power & Light in 2024, and now serves as its Special Projects Manager.

The entrance to the L.A. Auto Show

What’s the latest with new electric vehicles? To find out, I hopped the train to the Los Angeles Auto Show to check out the electric vehicle (EV) offerings. L.A. is known for automobiles along with endless gridlocked traffic and a sprawling maze of highways. Even with this car connection and an auto show that began way back in 1907, it was actually the train that put Los Angeles on the map. In 1876, the southern portion of the transcontinental railroad made it to Los Angeles and supported the growth from a sleepy town of a few thousand to the sprawling metropolis we know today. 

I took the train because it was comfortable, convenient and cheaper than driving. It had the added benefit of some amazing views of the coast that aren’t available by car. You can even bring your bike for free on many Amtrak trains, including this one. 

Nice views from the train 

Once I arrived in L.A. I was happy to be on the train as we flew by highways filled with cars crawling along in a sea of red brake lights. There are over 296 million vehicles on the road in the U.S. these days, and California has over 31 million of them. Transportation, including driving cars and trucks, is the largest source of climate pollution in the United States. This pollution has some serious human health costs as well, and those people living next to highways, ports, and truck depots bear the brunt of it. There is no way to deal with climate change without addressing transportation. For IPL, that means moving more quickly to EVs but also supporting better walking and biking infrastructure, mass transit, and towns and cities that are more accessible to those without a car. 

It was immediately clear that EVs are still a big deal to the automakers since they were front and center on the signs and banners out front and in the halls of the auto show. There were many more EV options than just a couple of years ago, though the most prominent were several new massive 3-row electric SUVs. There were also several displays about connecting your home electric network to your vehicle EV battery to create a whole home battery backup system. Unfortunately, still missing were more affordable, practical small to mid-size electric vehicles. Some good news: many new EVs are adding super fast charging capability which, when combined with fast chargers, will cut charging times significantly. 

Ford display talks about using your EV as a home battery back-up 

Charging infrastructure has doubled in the last four years, with about 1,000 new public chargers being added each week. We’ve gone from 2 EV battery factories in the U.S. in 2019 to 24 planned, under construction, or built today. The U.S. recently surpassed Europe in EV sales, though the projections for growth have been lowered given the expectations of the Trump administration’s impact on EV sales. IPL will be looking at ways for all of our voices to be heard in support of clean energy and clean vehicles in the coming months and years. 

We work with many partners in the faith, environment, and clean energy space. At the L.A. Auto Show, I attended the award event for one of those partners – Plug in America. They provided awards to students, organizations, and others who have had a positive impact in the clean vehicle space. The company Redwood Materials was one of the winners. They are recycling vehicle batteries and reclaiming the raw materials to help create a closed-loop where less mining of raw materials will be necessary. 

Plug In America’s Drive Electric awards ceremony

Back in the main auto show hall, I spotted a tiny exhibit by Tesla and a huge exhibit by Toyota. I heard that Tesla rarely attends these events at all, so even this small showing was notable. Toyota, once again, showed its deceptive marketing chops. A large sign behind a Crown hybrid sedan read, “Our Beyond Zero Vision” and spoke about how they offer more low and zero-emissions vehicles combined than any automaker. They didn’t mention that they only offer one battery electric vehicle. It’s unfortunate since there is evidence that a serious attempt to offer good EV choices instead of lobbying to weaken clean car standards could help Toyota out. Instead, Toyota is hiding tailpipes on cars to make them seem cleaner than they really are. 

If the vision is “beyond zero” why only sell one fully electric car?

Look – no tailpipe? How is that possible on a hybrid vehicle?

Ah, I see – you need to crawl under the car to see that there is, in fact, a hidden tailpipe. 

Toyota leadership recently stated that the rules calling for more zero-emission vehicles that many states are implementing are impossible to achieve. It looks like history does repeat itself since this quote from a General Motors CEO way back in the year 1970 sounds eerily similar, “…General Motors does not at this time know how to get production vehicles down to the emission levels that your bill would require for 1975 models,” he continued, “accomplishment of these goals, as far as we now know, simply is not technologically possible within the time frame required.” And yet, the auto industry did achieve it and far more with the help of legislation in the public interest. The L.A. Auto Show is about showcasing the latest and the greatest. In this spirit, let’s stop wasting time saying it can’t be done and get busy with the important work of making it happen. 

Bill Bradlee is the senior organizing director and affiliate liaison at Interfaith Power & Light

As people of faith, we are called to act on these inequities. Delivering climate justice is a marathon, not a sprint, and our role is to continue advocating for bolder commitments from governments, global institutions like the World Bank, and private sector actors.

A Moral and Spiritual Call

Justice is a core tenet of many of our faith traditions. From my own Christian perspective, Proverbs 31:8-9 challenges us to:

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

This call to action is especially urgent as we consider the injustices faced by communities in the Global South, disproportionately suffering the impacts of climate change. Their plight demands not just our compassion but our active advocacy.

Lessons from COP29

While attending COP29 in Baku, I felt a mix of hope and frustration. There is growing acknowledgment that wealthier nations must step up, yet progress often stalls due to political disagreements and shifting priorities.

Still, the role of faith communities is clear. With our access to the negotiators hashing out these important global decisions, we have a clear role in urging ambitious action. Advocacy for climate finance in the U.S. federal budget, for example, is a powerful way to ensure America contributes its fair share to the global effort.

Faith Communities as Advocates

Faith communities have historically been at the forefront of justice movements — from civil rights to poverty alleviation. Addressing climate change is no different. By raising our voices, we reflect the values of stewardship and compassion central to our beliefs.

How you can join this mission

Here are three simple steps to take action:

1. Pray: For communities most affected by climate change and for leaders working toward solutions.
2. Learn: Educate yourself and your congregation about climate finance and its role in global justice.
3. Advocate: Contact your representatives to urge them to protect and expand funding for international climate efforts in the federal budget. You can take action on these critical issues with both IPL and FCNL.

COP29 reminded me that the work of justice is ongoing. Our actions, no matter how small, can drive meaningful change. Together, we can ensure climate finance reaches those who need it most.

Let us respond to this call with courage and faith, trusting in God’s vision for a just and compassionate world.

Daren Caughron is the legislative manager, sustainable energy and environment for the Friends Committee on National Legislation

Written by: Madison Mayhew, IPL Federal Policy Manager

As we wrap up the year, it’s amazing to look back at all our our grassroots advocates have accomplished! Together, we’ve pushed the administration to protect workers in extreme heat (the OSHA rule), make bold commitments at COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, and celebrated the final EPA soot standard. We also advocated for stronger climate policy rooted in environmental justice in the Farm Bill, the federal budget and permitting reform. 

One of the highlights of the year was gathering in DC with over 30 affiliates for our National Conference! Our Day on the Hill included over 80 meetings with 25 affiliates, and additional drop-bys. A few folks were able to meet their Members and Senators!  

Another highlight for the National office was an Interfaith Prayer Vigil ahead of COP29 with officials at the U.S. State Department. Together we prayed for the administration and urged them to make bold climate commitments during the negotiations. It was a meaningful time together with our partners at the State Department and our colleagues in the faith community.

All of our collective work together was a wonderful reminder of how powerful our voices can be when we pursue climate justice together.

GIPL, IPL-DMV, and CIPL staff attended a summit at the White House on Environmental Justice! They are standing with CEQ Chair, Brenda Mallory.

IPL and other faith partners delivered a petition with over 2,000 faith signatures urging the Biden admin to take bold action ahead of COP29.

IPL joined partners with the Climate Action Campaign to celebrate the finalized soot standard at the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Latest on Climate Policy

With Congress’ return this week after the Thanksgiving holiday, they will have a lot to accomplish during the final weeks of session. Here’s what to expect: 

Appropriations Bills: Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) back in September that is set to expire on December 20th. Congress must pass a full-year omnibus spending package or another CR to avoid a funding lapse after December 20. At the time of writing this blogpost, the CR is most likely going to be a short term funding bill through early next year. The CR may include disaster relief funding, although that package isn’t likely to be anywhere as big as the nearly $99 billion that Biden requested. 

Permitting reform: The Energy Permitting Reform Act would undermine bedrock environmental laws, endanger public health, and expedite the exploitation of our federal lands and waters for oil and gas leasing. While the bill includes provisions that could accelerate clean energy deployment, these should not come at the cost of giveaways to the fossil fuel industry, thus placing frontline communities in harm’s way. Clean energy transmission should not be paired with new fossil fuel projects. The climate crisis, driven by fossil fuels, is upon us and taking an enormous toll on human life, our communities, and our Sacred Earth. We have a moral obligation to protect our climate and the most vulnerable among us are disproportionately affected by climate change. Take action below! 

HR9495 “The Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act”: the bill would give any Administration the authority to investigate and effectively shut down any tax-exempt organization – including religious organizations – based on a unilateral accusation of wrongdoing. This decision can be made using “classified information” without the nonprofit’s input or ability to challenge in federal courts. The bill passed the House before the thanksgiving recess, so there could be a chance the Senate picks it up during the lame duck. However, it seems unlikely Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will bring it to the floor for a vote. If that happens, there is a high chance the bill will be brought forth again next congress. Take action to contact your Senators below! 

Disaster Relief Package: Hurricane Helene caused widespread devastation across Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, with over 100 lives lost. This disaster has highlighted a need for additional FEMA funding, which will likely be a top priority for the lame-duck. The President released a 

Farm Bill: The Farm Bill was on a one year extension, which expired on September 30th. It is a MASSIVE funding bill that funds anti-hunger programs, conservation programs and provides resources for both large and small farmers. The Farm Bill is the single largest conservation investment that the federal government annually makes and its reauthorization is ongoing. If a long-term deal—typically, five years—remains out of reach, another short-term extension could be necessary. Take action below! 

Advocacy opportunities 

Tell Congress to Oppose The Energy Permitting Reform Act

The Energy Permitting Reform Act recently introduced by Senators Manchin and Barasso addresses the long standing issue of permitting reform. Although we applaud the progress on permitting reform to meet the urgency to transition to clean energy, this bill threatens to undo critical environmental protections and fast-track fossil fuel projects that would perpetuate climate injustice.

Take action here!

Tell Congress to pass a faithful farm bill!

People of faith believe in the moral call to uplift human dignity, love our neighbors, and protect our Sacred Earth. A Farm Bill for both people and the environment could ensure a future where all people have reliable access to healthy food, while prioritizing sustainable farming practices, and dignified treatment for those who work the land.

Take action here!

Contact your Senators to protect nonprofits and vote NO on HR9495 

H.R. 9495, the “Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act,” would give any Administration the authority to investigate and effectively shut down any tax-exempt organization – including religious organizations – based on a unilateral accusation of wrongdoing. This decision can be made using “classified information” without the nonprofit’s input or ability to challenge in federal courts.

The bill passed the House at the end of November. A Senate companion bill could be fast tracked before the end of the year. Please contact your Senators to urge them to protect non-profits! 

Take action here!