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CIPL was part of an unprecedented coalition to defeat Prop 23, thus defending California’s major clean energy law, AB 32. Prop 23 was the biggest referendum ever in the country on climate and clean energy – and the voters overwhelmingly chose to address climate change and move forward with the clean energy revolution.

Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to on this issue.  Prop 23 was defeated by the largest margin of any of the California propositions, with 61% of the electorate voting “No.”  On a related note, Prop 26, which would re-classify some “fees” as “taxes,” and thus require a 2/3 supermajority to pass, did pass. However, this rule will apply only to policies enacted after January 2010, thus keeping AB 32, which was passed in 2006, regulations safe.

Here’s what the Los Angeles Times wrote about Proposition 23:

“No environmental campaign in U.S. history can boast the level of activism in California this year:  Prop 23 opponents mustered 3,200 volunteers, made 2.8 million phone calls to voters, sent out 3.4 million pieces of mail, made 379,676 on-campus contacts with college students, and operated a sophisticated computerized outreach program that identified and contacted 481,000 voters, and showered voters with 900,000 get-out-the vote phone calls and text messages in the last three days.”

We will monitor the impact of Prop 26 and keep you informed on ways that faith communities can continue to advocate for implementation of good clean energy policy, like AB 32 and we will find ways to respond to harmful impacts of Prop 26 and other measures and elections this past ballot.  Keep up the good work to keep California clean and green!

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California Interfaith Power and Light Founder and President, the Rev. Sally Bingham is featured in Oprah Winfrey’s Magazine, “O.”

More than twenty years ago, Rev. Bingham was inspired to create a religious movement in response to the climate crisis. She became an Episcopalian priest and started what is now the nation-wide initiative of Interfaith Power and Light. Her work is paying off with more than 10,000 congregations of all faiths taking practical action to walk lighter on the Earth. ” The congregations serve as examples to the members of their communities,” says Sally.  Read more.

The installation was made possible by Luminalt San Francisco Solar, and combined the efforts of local organizations, including the Southeast Jobs Coalition, Brightline Defense Project, Young Community Developers, Inc., Alpha & Omega Asthma Resource Center and The Episcopal Diocese Commission on the Environment.

CIPL Northern California Outreach Director Jennifer Toth coordinated the relationship between Grace tabernacle clergy and community organizations to make the installation a possibility. Ms. Toth received a plaque by Bishop Ernest Jackson for her efforts, as did Espanola Jackson, Lynne Brown and owners of Luminalt Solar.

To read more and to see truly inspiring photos of the prayer service and installation, click here.