Love the Earth - Support Senate Bill 5769!

By: Dana Swanson

On Sunday February 13, I attended St. John United Lutheran Church's Love the Earth Sunday, as part of Interfaith Power & Light's National Climate Preach-In.

Interfaith Power & Light invited faith leaders from across the country to give sermons and reflections on global warming the weekend of February 11-13. Over 20 churches across Washington State joined Washington Interfaith Power & Light (WAIPL) and Earth Ministry to make climate change the focus of their worship service last weekend.

As part of Love the Earth Sunday, members at St. John United signed postcards to their elected officials, encouraging them to love the Earth and their neighbors this Valentine's Day by phasing out coal in Washington. Youth in Sunday School decorated Valentines for their representatives, asking them to "Have a Heart" and support legislation for a Coal Free Future for Washington. On Tuesday, February 15, at Environmental Lobby Day, Earth Ministry delivered the postcards to State Representatives in Olympia.

The advocacy efforts of those at St. John United and of the greater Washington faith community are making a difference in the state legislature. Just this morning, the coal bill passed through the Senate committee. Now is the time to act - tell your Senator to support a Coal Free Future for Washington!

Call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000 today!

I must confess, I was a little nervous when I called the hotline this afternoon. However, it was not as intimidating as I anticipated. When the operator answered the phone, I told her I was in favor of a Coal Free Future for Washington, Senate Bill 5769 (SB 5769).

She then asked for my name, address, and phone number - just like if I were ordering a pizza. They will ask if you have any additional comments, to which you can choose not to say anything, or you can identify yourself as a member of Earth Ministry and/or as a member of your church.

Call today to tell your Senator to support SB 5769! Consider our children's future - the futures of Emily and Madeline who made Valentines with me - and encourage your elected officials to transition Washington off coal power.