Environmental Stewardship Corner

We’ve all seen wind turbines as we drive through the Midwest. Yet renewable energy comprises only about 3% of the electricity generated in our country. A 2008 study by the American Council on Renewable Energy indicates that using currently available renewable technologies such as wind, solar, geothermal and biomass that we could readily achieve 25% renewable generation by 2025. Other studies indicate that investments in renewable energy technologies create about 4 times as many jobs per dollar invested than expanding coal, oil or gas investments. Clean renewable energy technologies not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also replace acid gas and toxic air emissions from coal-fired generation, saving lives and reducing health care costs. As our elected officials debate legislation for economic recovery and future energy policies for our country, please take the time to share your views on the direction we should proceed, keeping in mind God’s call to protect and preserve all of God’s creation.