As countries around the world face growing urgency to address climate change and build environmental sustainability, policy makers at all levels of government are considering various policy options. Here in Washington, state government has passed significant legislation to address some aspects of the climate crisis. Cities too are taking action to reduce carbon emissions and transition to a clean energy economy.
Bellevue prides itself as a “City in a Park”. It has taken steps to address declining tree canopy, and agreed on targets to reduce carbon emissions from the transportation and building sectors. This is a crucial time for the city to implement significant plans to enable the city to reach these targets even as the population grows. The ability of Bellevue City Council to implement necessary measures will depend in large measure on who makes up the City Council in 2024 going forward.
East Shore’s Earth & Climate Action Ministry team along with local climate and environmental organizations (350 Eastside, Eastside Audubon, Indivisible Eastside, 300 Trees, Trees4Livability, Save Coal Creek, People for Climate Action/Bellevue chapter) invite all Bellevue residents to attend the Bellevue City Council Candidate forum on Tuesday evening, September 19th, here at East Shore.
All candidates will be asked to address specific questions related to the climate crisis and environmental stewardship. As a number of candidates are new and unknown to many in the Bellevue community, this in-person forum provides a great opportunity to get to know a bit more about their background and priorities before the November election.
Before the program begins, join us for dessert and informal conversation starting at 6:30 in the Sanctuary! The program itself will start promptly at 7:00 and conclude by 9:00. Pick up a raffle ticket and see what you might win at the end of the evening! (BTW, a recording will be available within days after the event if you cannot make it.)
The MMIWP display was created earlier this year under the auspices of Carolyn DeFord, Puyallup tribal member and East Shore’s Women’s Perspective (WP) and Campus Aesthetics Team (CAT). “Invisible No More” is now being shared in the wider community. In April, shortly after the display at East Shore came down, CAT arranged to take the display to Mercer Island library where it was exhibited for more than a month.
Librarians assembled books related to indigenous women and other issues for children and adults to accompany the display. In June, the exhibit was moved to Issaquah public library where it was on display for the month. Librarians at both sites have indicated that the display has been well received and has generated curiosity and interest among library visitors. CAT members hope to bring the display to other sites in the community over the coming months. We are glad to have been able to extend the message Carolyn brought to us with the larger community, and she has expressed her thanks for our doing so. Congratulations, Carolyn!
The Earth and Climate Action Ministry Team (ECAM) wants to spread the GREAT news about the potential benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed by federal government in July of 2022 to reduce America’s carbon emissions by 40% by 2030!
One aspect of the program will help folks electrify their homes. Replacing gas appliances and gas furnaces will help save on energy bills, reduce carbon emissions, and improve indoor air quality. It also covers solar panels, new electric panels, EV’s, and weatherization.
Rewiring American (leading national electrification nonprofit) has a handy IRA calculator for you to see how much money you might get as a rebate/discount to electrify your home. Here is the link: https://www.rewiringamerica.org/app/ira-calculator
There are some caveats: the benefits are on a sliding scale based on median average household income in your area with an upper limit. The calculator will figure all that in for you. Each state may implement program differently so many details to be worked out. Right now, the rebate program is to last 10 years or until IRA funding is exhausted. Final details of the program are being work out.
Your electrification expenditures may also qualify for energy tax credits. The IRA calculator will give you an estimate of tax credits as well. See your tax accountant for more information.
Other aspects of IRA will cover disadvantaged communities, nonprofits, cities, and rural communities. More about that later…….
The Earth and Climate Action Ministry Team (ECAM) suggests the following options for Earth Month—APRIL!
Attend Issaquah’s Sustainability Fair on Sunday, April 16 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the Pickering Barn near COSTCO—1730 10th Ave NW, Issaquah WA 98027. They are offering kid activities, demonstrations, food and coffee, sustainable products, touch a truck PLUS a mini field trip at 11:00 a.m. Visit the many participating environmental groups and sustainability vendors. And make sure you play to see our own John Chmaj with a musical performance from 1:00-1:30 p.m.
Participate in Eastside Climate Challenge, an online action game to become more earth friendly. Play against your own individual or family goals or compete in a community group. Select the actions you want to take and automatically see your carbon footprint lower. Begin in spring or summer with the support of community coordinator Nicole Fues. Get started at this website: https://eastsideclimatechallenge.org/
ECAM meets monthly via zoom to promote earth friendliness. If you have questions or are interested in participating in ECAM please contact Kristi Weir.
East Shore Unitarian Church hosted a Prayer Journey visit on Thursday, March 2 for members of the House of Tears Carvers. They are traveling to Oak Flat, Arizona in support of the San Carlos Apache tribe who are fighting to protect their sacred ceremonial grounds at Oak Flat. Cecile Hansen, chairwoman of the Duwamish Tribal Council, attended and along with Duwamish Council member Ken Workman who welcomed East Shore community members and House of Tears Carvers guests Freddie Lane, Doug and, Siamel’wit James and their two children. The Lummi shared prayers and explained the purpose of the Totem Pole journey to Oak Flat. Coming with a sacred Eagle Staff carved by Lummi Carver Richard Solomon, they gathered prayers and hands-on blessings from our community. Approximately 40 people attended including Bellevue City Mayor Lynne Robinson and City Council member Janice Zahn.
House of Tears Carvers will continue their journey south to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Pasadena, California. On March 21 when a judicial decision will be made about the fate of the Oak Flat sacred site. A copper mining company owned by Rio Tinto, a foreign mining company aims to build an enormous copper mine in Apache sacred lands that would destroy much of the land and water resources in the drought-stricken area.
While awaiting the judicial decision, House Natural Resources Committee member, Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz) announced the introduction of the Save Oak Flat From Foreign Mining Act. This act is designed to permanently protect Tonto National Forest’s Chí’chil Biłdagoteel Historic District, also known as Oak Flat, from foreign mining operations that will permanently desecrate the area and destroy its tribal cultural and religious heritage sites.
For more information on the legislative action proposed by Raul Grijalva, click here.
Since the Paris Climate Accord was signed in 2015, four banks have provided over one trillion dollars in financing for the fossil fuel industry, an industry that has no plans to stop building new or expanding oil and gas projects. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank. It’s our money they are using to bankroll the climate crisis. The dirtiest fossil fuels in the world are financed with money from our bank accounts, credit cards, 401ks. Come, learn, and be a part of the solution to the climate crisis!
Where: Bellevue Downtown Park.
When: Tuesday, March 21: Noon – 1:00 pm with optional march past local banks.
What: Guest speakers, educational materials, interactive game, snacks and beverages. PLUS, an opportunity to cut up your credit card symbolically or actually!
Why: The fossil fuel industry polluting our atmosphere can’t continue without money from banks and investors. If we stop the Big Four Banks—Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo—from investing, we help shut down the industry. We don’t want our money and savings to be used to bankroll the climate crisis. We’ve got lots of resources to help you find better banks and credit cards to make the switch.
