Environmental Justice
Our Mission Our principles call us to respect the interdependent web of existence of which we are all a part. We work to ground our congregational life deeper in this value, with a strong focus on addressing the challenge of climate change as well as deepening awareness of the communities most impacted by it.
Our Work We provide informational programs about various aspects of environmental justice and the opportunities to take action to further it. Connecting with other organizations working in the community is an important part of this effort. Individual lifestyle changes are one way to address the climate threat, but change at institutional levels is crucial. We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our building and our fellowship’s practices, as well as keeping members aware of issues from a local to a global level.
Take Action Now!
URGENT! Oppose the expansion of the GTN gas pipeline (which runs through Bend) before it’s too late!
Although in April the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the expansion of a 1400-mile gas pipeline from Canada to California (over the protest by OR and WA governors and others) it’s not yet too late! TC Energy, a Canadian company, seeks a contract with Cascade Natural Gas to pay for the pipeline. Cascade Natural Gas would likely raise rates on consumers. Natural gas is almost entirely methane, a potent greenhouse gas and a main contributor to global warming. The expansion of the GTN Xpress would result in an additional 3.47 million metric tons of carbon dioxide being released for at least the next 30 years, according to a joint filing opposing the pipeline that was submitted to the federal commission in August 2022.
Write to Cascade Natural Gas, 8113 West Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick WA 99336
Upcoming Events
September 19, 2024 — Climate Change Discussion Group. 6:15 to 8 p.m. At UUFCO’s Linus Pauling Room. Explore the causes, consequences and potential solutions for climate change. After a short TED Talk video, we discuss the issues it raises. Past discussions have been revelatory!
September 28 - 29, 2024 — UUA Climate Justice Revival. Ours will be one of more than 300 congregations participating!
“Reimagine Together: From an Extractive Age to a New Era” will provide UU congregations and others with the resources they need to collectively reimagine a spirit-filled and liberatory future. Through multigenerational activities, conversations, worship, and advocacy, the revival will catalyze a shared vision and purpose within congregations to realize climate justice and collective liberation in UU communities and beyond.
Our History and Impact
Led the effort to bring solar panels to our building
Offered a Workshop on Community Solar
Supported Bend Women’s March and the People’s Climate March
Organized petitions against PGE’s request to add fracked natural gas capability to their Boardman plant
Contacted agencies to urge rejection of the Jordan Cove LNG pipeline
Contacted local representatives for their support in reducing emissions
Coordinated with UUFCO’s youth program to help members calculate their carbon footprint
Offered Earth Day services highlighting our ethical and spiritual connections to our ecosystems
Strategic Action and Volunteering
Confronting the reality of the world today requires both resilience and a deep spiritual grounding. Ultimately, we as humans will benefit as we connect more profoundly -- with respect, gratitude and reciprocal action -- to the interdependent web of all existence. Together, we can take strategic action to address the ecological crises we and our children will face. While the following organizations are not affiliated with UUFCO, some of our members and friends work with and support them. We encourage you to focus your environment-related volunteer efforts on these groups. And to have fun volunteering together with other UU folks!
Citizen’s Climate Lobby https://citizensclimatelobby.org/
Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a national group with a strong UU membership. It’s committed to building the political will for the climate solutions we all need. By focusing on shared values rather than partisan divides, CCL builds relationships with community leaders, and with members of Congress, always starting from a place of respect, gratitude, and appreciation. CCL has great training and an active Bend chapter, which you would join. Opportunities include learning about proposed legislation, lobbying members of Congress, writing letters to representatives and news outlets, and local educational events and actions.
Deschutes Land Trust https://www.deschuteslandtrust.org/
The Deschutes Land Trust's mission is to conserve and care for the lands and water that sustain Central Oregon, so local communities and the natural world can flourish together for generations to come. Climate change threatens this core mission, but the Land Trust has strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on local natural areas and to facilitate the ability of fish and wildlife to adapt to altered landscapes. The Land Trust has protected 18,742 acres in C.O., with special attention to waterways. Volunteer opportunities range from office work to hands-on caring for the land.
Energize Bend https://energizebend.org/
To keep our Earth livable for all, humans must reduce CO2 emissions by 10% each year. In Bend, the biggest polluters are gas-powered vehicles (36%) and homes (29%) followed by commercial use (22%). Energize Bend focuses on helping citizens switch from fossil fuel to electricity for their energy needs, because powering your home and cars with renewable energy will reduce your household emissions by 60%! And save you money! Energize Bend helps you determine the best plan to suit your needs, with information about rebates, installation (even DIY), and helps renters be part of the solution.
Great Old Broads for Wilderness https://www.greatoldbroads.org/chapters/oregon-central-oregon-bitterbrush-broads/
With a 4-way focus on Advocacy, Education, Stewardship and Fun, the Central Oregon “Bitterbrush” chapter offers lots of ways to get involved. Focus areas include Wild Lands Protection, Breaching Snake River Dams, Wildlife Issues, Restoring Healthy Rivers, Combatting Climate Change, and Building Relationships in Rural Areas. Activities include Guided Hikes, Stewardship Projects, and Informal Chats. The Broads (and Bros) partner with other conservation groups to get things done.
Central Oregon Land Watch https://www.centraloregonlandwatch.org/
Uses the power of federal and state law to defend and protect the natural environment. They continually monitor proposed land use development, timber sales, and water use across Central Oregon. With expertise in land use planning, they guide a way to a sustainable future that balances growth and development with natural resource protection. They need volunteers in event production, representing LandWatch at community events, advocacy within the city and community, and photography!