Yesterday I attended the WISC (Washington Interfaith Staff Community) Engergy and Environment Working Group meeting with Mary Ann Smith. I went because it was a planning meeting and wanted to understand what ecumenical and interfaith offices are up to for 2009. The focus for most faith offices is on energy -- lowering emissions to IPCC recommended standards and to minimize climate impact in the US and abroad. Many of the groups are also focused on renewable energies. Other themse that were mentioned were human migration, water issues, environmental justice, biodiversity, green jobs, re-engagement in global climate talks.
Rumors are that Obama's team wants to act swiftly (possibly the day, week or within first 6 weeks of inauguration) on a stimulus package which will include green jobs and energy in it. Tis will be ke legislation for the adminstration this year. Obama's team has reached out to some environmental groups (not faith-based) for advice. Larry Rasmussen mentioned David Orr's One hundred Days of Climate Action which Larry said has gotten a good hearing with Obama's folks. I read the report but felt it lacking in detail; it felt to me like setting the attitude or paradigm under which the president should act.
Congressionally there are rumblings about climate legislation. Boxer is committed to introducing a bill early on in the session. Waxman as new chair is likely to act swiftly as well. Thoughts are that there may not be a vote on the legilation until 2010 -- a lot of education of congressional members must be done to set the stage.
I talked a bit with Mary Ann after the meeting. I think MOGC needs to sort out just how we will insert ourselves in the work around the new energy and climate legislation. This group is primarily focused on domestic legislation. The international link and global thought is weak, though all want to ensure that adequate adaptation funding and mechanisms are a part of any bill.
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