Social Action Committee News

Once again this year our families will gather by candle light to celebrate the victory of the few over the many; the disenfranchised over the powerful. Even though the miracle of the oil was first recorded centuries after the story of the Maccabbees’ impressive military triumph, its symbolism can inspire us to action in our own time and place. Through acts of social, economic and environmental justice, we too can bring light to a world that is too often . lled with the darkness of despair. The miracle of oil conservation is especially relevant in our own time – when our own society has become, in the words of Rabbi Arthur Waskow, “oilholic.” How can we roll back the disastrous effects of our excessive oil consumption on the world’s environment, even as we face the day-to-day consequences of our reliance on Middle Eastern Oil?

In October of 2003 the Senate took up the bipartisan Climate Stewardship Act (S. 139), to address the dangers of climate change. Although it failed to pass, the bill generated fresh resolve for a real solution to our most pressing environmental problem. In March of 2004, Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives (H.R. 4067). The Climate Stewardship Act would limit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions emitted by electric utilities, major industrial and commercial entities, and re. ners of transportation fuels. Modeled after a highly successful acid rain program set in place by the 1990 Clean Air Act, it would implement a market-driven emissions trading system designed to encourage innovative strategies and lower energy costs. It would require moderate emissions reductions to attain 2000 levels by 2010, thus signi. cantly reducing global warming pollution and dependence on foreign oil. Major American corporations like Maytag, American Gas Association GE Wind Energy, Honeywell and others support the legislation, saying it offers a way forward and an opportunity to stimulate economic growth.

This Chanukkah, urge your senators and representatives to co-sponsor and vote for the Climate Stewardship Act (S. 139/ H.R. 4067). It’s time to take action on the most critical environmental problem of our time. To easily reach your Members of Congress, call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. To send email, go to http://capwiz.com/rac/officials/congress -- put in your zip code, and click on the email links. And in the coming months, the social action committee hopes to introduce several exciting ways that our synagogue community can help lead the charge towards more sustainable energy consumption. Please watch your mail for more info!