Georgia Interfaith Power and Light News

Caring for God's Creation

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

On opposite sides of the country, San Francisco Theological Seminary graduates Rachel Medema and Alexis Chase are saving the planet one congregation at a time.

Dunwoody Community Garden's Thanksgiving Harvest Has Special Meaning

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Two days before Thanksgiving, volunteers donated 122.5 pounds of fresh produce to Malachi�s Storehouse, an outreach mission of St. Patrick�s Episcopal Church.

Catching Rainwater in Atlanta

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

In a state where water is increasingly scarce, and a city with some of the highest water rates in the country, some Atlantans are looking upward for answers.

Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministry goes green

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Beginning several years ago, Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministry started the process of making its new home green.

Keystone XL Delayed, Feds To Explore New Routes

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Federal officials postponed a crucial permitting decision for the proposed Keystone XL pipeline Thursday afternoon, issuing plans to consider a new route for the project.

Buckhead, Sandy Springs congregations show it�s easy being green

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Find out about energy savings at Congregation B�nai Torah and Peachtree Road United Methodist Church.

Success Stories: Emory Presbyterian Church

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Jill Oglesby Evans, pastor of Emory Presbyterian Church, shares how their Power Wise Energy Audit brought new life to their congregation.

Decatur Churches Go Green

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Power Wise grants from Georgia Interfaith Power & Light have benefited eight Decatur churches - more than any neighborhood in the state.

Green Shoots from the Stump

Thu, 8 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Monroe was on the verge of closing its doors. Energy conservation was just one piece of the puzzle in their struggle to survive.

Norcross Church Leads the Way in Going Green

Fri, 2 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Norcross First United Methodist Church is going green. With the help of a Matching Grant from GIPL, they made substantial upgrades to their building�s insulation that are estimated to save them tens of thousands of dollars annually on energy costs.

Local Churches Going Green

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church and Princeton United Methodist Church in Athens go green.

Smyrna church shines light by turning off the lights

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A small team of about 10 people at St. Benedict�s Episcopal Church is doing its part to make the church, and eventually the entire community, a greener place with the help of Georgia Interfaith Power and Light.

Episcopal Church of the Annunciation 'Goes Green'

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation in Northeast Cobb is saving energy and money in its buildings by going green.

Local Congregations Get Power Wise

Tue, 9 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Six congregations in North Druid Hills are saving money through energy efficiency.

Energy program helps churches save

Sat, 9 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Power Wise is featured in the Brunswick News.

Green Light - Summer 2011: The HEAT Is On

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Our Summer 2011 edition of the Green Light covers our Home Energy Audit Training Classes and our forthcoming Garden Curriculum.

God�s original energy source

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The June issue of Photon magazine features some of the many Jewish, Muslim and Christian houses of worship that are adopting solar. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Decatur is featured in this story.

Church Yard Sale Raises Money for Projects

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

First Baptist Church of Decatur's annual Yard Sale raises money for their youth group's mission trips.

Conservative Leader Makes Case For Streetcars And Rail Transit In Metro Atlanta

Mon, 6 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

William Lind, director of the American Conservative Center for Public Transportation, recently spoke to the Sustainable Atlanta Roundtable meeting about how public transit supports conservative ideals.

The Catholic perspective on the environment

Wed, 1 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It is because we value our relationship with God and God�s creation that climate change is for us Catholics a profoundly spiritual, ethical, and moral issue. Climate change is not about economic theory or political platform; it is most certainly not about partisan politics or concessions to special interest groups on either side of the argument.

Milledgeville churches greening facilities through GIPL program

Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

For some churches in town and across the state, environmentalism is more than just a social issue; it is the stewardship of God�s creation. St. Stephen�s Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church took one step closer to achieving their overall goal of stewarding what they hold sacred and dear by getting a Power Wise Energy Audit.

Georgia Solar Tax Credits Spur Economic Growth

Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

With the signature of Governor Nathan Deal, Georgia�s solar energy tax credit is increasing to $5 million annually in 2012, 2013 and 2014 from the current $2.5 million yearly limit. The new law, which the General Assembly approved earlier this month, helps ensure that the vibrant solar energy industry in Georgia continues to thrive, creating jobs and new investment opportunities statewide.

Southern Co. says NO to new coal but Dean Alford plows ahead with bad business deal

Fri, 6 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Southern Co. has often lagged behind its peers in clean energy, but there�s still one guy making them look good - Mr. Dean Alford. If the market isn�t there for Southern Company to build new coal plants, why do Dean Alford, his friends at Cobb EMC, and the boards of four other Georgia EMCs, who have no experience building coal facilities, think it makes sense to build two new coal plants?

EPA Chief Travels to Atlanta to Announce Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships Initiative

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson visited Atlanta to announce the launch of the Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships Initiative. Administrator Jackson, Congressman John Lewis, and other community leaders gathered with Georgia Interfaith Power & Light at the Carter Center to discuss this new partnership.

Tennessee Valley Authority Agrees to Shutter 18 Generators That Use Coal

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

In a sweeping legal settlement, the Tennessee Valley Authority has agreed for the first time to reduce its overall capacity to generate coal-fired electricity, promising to close 18 of its coal-burning generators over the next six years while spending $3 billion to $5 billion on pollution controls on any remaining units that use coal.

College Hill Neighborhood Seeking Food Market

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Centenary United Methodist Church in Macon is leading the effort to bring fresh and healthy food to the College Hill Corridor. As church minister Stacey Harwell puts it, in order to minister to people's souls, we've got to make sure they have a healthy body first.

Church youth focus on environment for Lent

Sat, 9 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The youth at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in Augusta are taking on a new challenge this Lenten season. Instead of giving something up, the youth set out to collect other people's trash -- specifically, their electronic waste.

Coal Doesn't Deliver on Its Jobs Promises: It Doesn't Even Come Close

Fri, 8 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

When developers of a new coal fired power plant came to Washington County, GA, to propose a new coal fired power plant in 2008, their argument to the local community consisted of two words -- 'more jobs.' A newly released study finds that this promise needs to be taken with more than a grain of salt.

Georgia Power Announces Plans to Decertify Two Coal Generating Units

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Good news: Georgia Power announced today that they expect to request approval from the Georgia Public Service Commission to decertify two coal-generating units at Plant Branch in Putnam County, GA.

Some Recent Hits on Creation Care

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The national Interfaith Power & Light campaign and Georgia IPL are both mentioned in this Sierra Club Compass blog about the faith community's work on the environment. GIPL is recognized for saving Peachtree Road UMC $40,000 on their energy bills last year through our Power Wise Energy Audit program.

Churches Caring for Our Planet

Fri, 4 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

GIPL's Power Wise program is featured in the Atlanta Journal Constitution along with two of our GIPPY's winners: Peachtree Road United Methodist Church and St. Patrick's Episcopal Church.

Alexis' Interview on Southeast Green's Speaking of Green

Thu, 3 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Beth Bond from Southeast Green interviews Alexis on the Speaking of Green radio show about the work of Georgia Interfaith Power & Light.

Energy Efficiency Measures Saved AT&T $44 Million In 2010

Thu, 3 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

According to AT&T, the company saved $44 million on energy costs last year after implementing 4,200 energy efficiency projects at its facilities in 2010.

My Polluted Kentucky Home

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

In this moving reflection on mountaintop removal, Silas House points out that the practice is not just an environmental crisis. MTR is also a human crisis, Appalachian residents...have always been told they are of less value than the resources they live above.

How Your Church Can Support Local Food Movements

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Carol Howard Merritt discusses why people of faith should pay attention to where their food comes from, and how congregations can get involved.

GOP�s Beard wants more coal plants because God will fix global warming

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

State House Representative Mike Beard, R-Shakopee, recently espoused the belief that God will not allow humanity to harm the planet and has a plan to fix global warming. Chuck Dayton, co-chair of Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light, responds in this article.

Georgia Interfaith Power & Light's 2010 Annual Report

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Georgia Interfaith Power & Light's first Annual Report is a collection of our highlights, pictures, results and programs from 2010.

GIPPY awards for 2010 presented by Georgia Interfaith Power & Light

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Check out this write up about the Fifth Annual GIPPY Awards by Beth Bond from Southeast Green, who tweeted highlights throughout the event.

Congregations Benefit from Energy Efficiency

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Georgia Interfaith Power & Light's guest blog on the Ogeechee Riverkeeper website.

Seeing the light

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Online Athens paper covers Georgia Interfaith Power & Light's Power Wise Clergy Luncheon in Athens.

Georgia�s Faith Community Sheds Light on Energy Efficiency

Sat, 5 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Georgia Interfaith Power & Light's Power Wise program is featured in Worship Facilities magazine, a national publication that focuses on the design, construction, operation and maintenance of houses of worship.

Cobb EMC members are asking lots of questions about their co-op leadership

Thu, 3 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Since Dwight Brown was indicted on 31 counts of racketeering, theft, and making false statement last month, Cobb EMC has invested considerable money in advertising in support of Brown. This week, the Marietta Daily Journal has several letters to the editor from Cobb EMC members asking questions about Brown's leadership.

Designing Your Schoolyard Habitat Webinar

Tue, 1 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Are you ready to create a Schoolyard Habitat, but not sure how to start? Please join the National Wildlife Federation's (NWF) Schoolyard Habitats� Program for a free webinar on Feb. 3 to find out how to design your Schoolyard Habitat project.

Audits help churches cut energy costs

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Augusta Chronicle reports on Georgia Interfaith Power & Light's Clergy Luncheon in Augusta.

EPA Vetoes Largest Mountaintop Removal Permit: New Era of Civility in the Coalfields?

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

EPA halts the proposed disposal of mining waste in streams at Spruce coal mine in West Virginia, vetoing the largest mountaintop removal mining permit in Appalachia.

Faith communities can set example on energy use

Sun, 2 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Lucille Mills, the pastor of a Virginia IPL congregation, talks about her church's efforts to reduce their energy use.

Looking Forward to 2011

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GIPL's last mailing of 2010. See you next year!

Atlanta�s Largest Office Building Solar Plant Goes Live

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Hannah Solar has completed the largest solar array on any office building in Atlanta's history. The Commissioning Ceremony wll be held on Winter Solstice, December 21st.

Advent: Let's start to heal our planet

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Mallory McDuff, who will be signing her new book at the GIPPY Awards in February, writes an opinion letter in USA TODAY about Advent and climate change.

Cathy Woolard to Keynote at the Fifth Annual GIPPY Awards

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cathy Woolard, Former Atlanta City Council Chair and CARE Executive VP, will address local and international sustainability challenges at Georgia Interfaith PowER & Light's Fifth Annual GIPPY's.

Green Light - Winter 2010

Tue, 7 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GIPL's quarterly newsletter. This edition has a great Power Wise update and much more!

Plant Washington Public Hearing Draws Mixed Reaction

Tue, 7 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A public hearing for the water permits required for Washington County�s Plant Washington is attracting a lot of public interest.

Environment Agency Lecture given by the Bishop of Liverpool

Mon, 6 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I�ve begun to begin every lecture about the environment with a confession. Not just because I�m religious but because any such talk invites the charge of hypocrisy. We�re all hypocrites when it comes to the environment! There�s very little human activity that does not have an impact on our environment.

BeltLine Park Installs Solar Panels

Thu, 2 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A BeltLine park installs solar panels to offset energy costs for park lighting.

Can Faith Slow Climate Change?

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Rev. Canon Sally Bingham talks to Scientific American about the faith communities around the world that are taking action in response to climate change.

56 Religious Groups to U.S. Senate: Save the Clean Air Act

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Georgia Interfaith Power & Light joins a diverse group of 56 denominations and faith-based organizations that released a joint letter calling on the U.S. Senate to leave intact the power of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect the environment and public's health.

LED Lighting Delivers Non-Invasive Sanctuary Renovation

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Thinking of ways to upgrade your lighting? Consider LED as an option with multiple applications and options!

Fairbanks churches try energy audits to save money

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Faith communities in Alaska save money and energy through energy audits.

Interfaith Power & Light Announces 10% Challenge Winners

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Interfaith Power & Light announces the winners of this year�s 10% Challenge, which is a united effort by diverse religious communities to address global warming by reducing their carbon footprint at least ten percent.

Interfaith for Climate Change: Atlanta Style

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Rabbi Frederick Reeves is the Associate Rabbi at The Temple in Atlanta, Georgia. He has spoken and written extensively on the place of religion in the conversation about the environment and was honored in 2008 by Georgia Interfaith Power and Light.

Sandy Springs Church First in Georgia to Go Solar

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Northwest Unitarian Universalist Congregation (NWUUC) in Sandy Springs recently held an open house on Sunday, October 10, 2010, for Metro Atlanta residents to come and learn about how the church is transitioning to one hundred percent solar power and is reducing its carbon footprint. In January 2009, the church installed 20 solar panels on the south roof of its sanctuary, in its effort to completely remove itself from the coal power grid.

Episcopal Life Online Recognizes St. Alban's EPA Award

Tue, 5 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Episcopal Life Online - ATLANTA: Monroe parish one of 5 nationwide to win Environmental Protection Agency award

EPA Gives Blessing to Monroe Church

Mon, 4 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Walton Tribune recognizes the hard work of St. Alban's Episcopal Church and their EPA Award.

EcoBriefs - Atlanta INtown

Fri, 1 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Georgia Interfaith Power & Light's Power Wise program is featured in the October issue of Atlanta INtown. Go to the Eco-Briefs on page 27.

Man of the book...in PDF format

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Rabbi Frederick Reeves of The Temple has taken his commitment to the environment to the next level by going paperless.

St. Alban's Episcopal Church Receives EPA's Congregation Award

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

St. Alban�s Episcopal Church in Monroe, GA, was one of five recipients across the nation of the EPA's ENERGY STAR� Congregation Award this year.

'Glee': A Model for How Different Religious Traditions Can Unite for the Environment

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Mallory McDuff, author of Natural Saints: How People of Faith Are Working to Save God's Earth, mentions GIPL's Power Wise program in her discussion of the creation care movement.

Green churches to receive federal funds

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Georgia Interfaith Power & Light conducts an Energy Audit in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Savannah through the Power Wise program.

Let us pray for a clean environment

Thu, 5 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This op-ed in the Charlotte Observer by Mallory McDuff discusses the role of prayer in responding to environmental crises.

Stimulus Sanctuaries - Churches Going Green

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Georgia Interfaith Power & Light�s new initiative � Power Wise � was featured on 11-Alive (WXIA-TV). 11-Alive�s environmental reporter Marc Pickard interviewed Alexis Chase, GIPL's Executive Director, and Rev. Woody Bartlett , GIPL Co-Founder and member of Holy Trinity Parish in Decatur, on how congregations of every faith can receive grants to save energy while protecting God�s creation.

Georgia Power aims to rely less on coal

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Environmentalists are citing approval last month by the Public Service Commission of a Georgia Power Co.�s long-range plan as a turning point. In it, the commission approved the giant utility�s intention to rely less on coal and more on other energy sources -- including conservation -- as the way to prepare for electricity demands over the next 10-20 years. Two-thirds of the company�s power comes from coal now.

Holy Trinity Goes Green

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Check out this article in the Decatur Dispatch about the new solar panels and other conservation efforts at Holy Trinity, the winner of our Power Award at our 2009 GIPPY's.

Buckhead church grounds become symbol of conservation

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Without a single brick or smear of mortar, Trinity Presbyterian Church in Buckhead has created a second sanctuary on its grounds.

Hand In Hand, Protesters Oppose Offshore Oil Drilling

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This past weekend I gathered with my neighbors at a nearby beach to attend a local Hands Across the Sand event, a worldwide effort to oppose offshore drilling and champion clean and renewable energy.

A Greener Calling: Preaching the Gospel of Green

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Rev. Canon Sally Bingham, founder of the Interfaith Power and Light movement, is featured in the Oprah Magazine for preaching energy conservation to people of all faiths. She is the first in O's series on a global contingent of eco-conscious faith leaders joining forces.

Yakima church takes the green way and wins state honor

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Members of Wesley United Methodist Church are looking after the Earth. For their efforts, the church has been named a Greening Congregation by Earth Ministry, a Seattle-based nonprofit that promotes environmental stewardship to Christian churches around the Northwest.

Dedicated to sustainability: Trinity Presbyterian leads by example

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Trinity Presbyterian, whose 28-acre property was recently certified as a wildlife sanctuary, is featured for its sustainability.

Georgia Interfaith Power & Light Receives 2010 Best of Atlanta Award

Fri, 4 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Georgia Interfaith Power & Light is honored to receive a 2010 Best of Atlanta award in the Environmental Conservation category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

'Green' California Utility Attacks Local Renewables

Thu, 3 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Faith leaders push for climate, energy legislation in the Senate

Wed, 5 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Lately, when the Rev. Canon Sally Bingham, president and founder of Interfaith Power and Light, preaches a sermon about the United States' dependence on fossil fuels and the possible shift toward renewable energy sources she turns to Luke chapter 5 and the metaphor that Jesus used when talking to the frustrated fishermen on the Sea of Galilee.

Atlanta Environmentalist Helps Black Churches Go Green

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Environmental stewardship is a growing concept being embraced by thousands of congregations throughout the country, thanks to a group called Interfaith Power and Light. And � contrary to what some might believe � the black church is no exception. In commemoration of Earth Day, host Michel Martin speaks with Garry Harris, an entrepreneur and ministry leader in Atlanta. Harris talks about how the message of environmental stewardship became a hit with singles at the church he attends � the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.

Local Churches Take Action To Celebrate Earth Day

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

An article about the Catholic Earth Day Celebration in the Georgia Bulletin.

Success Stories: Haygood Memorial United Methodist Church

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Photos from 2010 Gippy's

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Link to Photo Album

Georgia Interfaith Power & Light Shows Congregations How to Save Energy while Saving Souls

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

GIPL Executive Director, Alexis Chase was interviewed by WABE's Steve Goss about the work of Georga Interfaith Power & Light.

Carbon Covenant from IPL

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Bring Creation Care into your Missions with the Carbon Covenant - Connecting with faith communities on the front lines of climate.

NEW Energy Star for Congregations Program

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled a new measurement and recognition system for churches similar to what is used for hotels, commercial buildings and other structures.

Snapping Shoals Congregations - We Need Your Help!

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We would like to host an information session about coal and proposed coal projects in Georgia at churches within Snapping Shoals EMC territory

Snapping Shoals Congregations - We Need Your Help!

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Power Wise

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

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