On June 5, UUFP was proud to host State Senators Katie Muth and Amanda Cappelletti, who came to speak about the Go100PA initiative which outlines a plan for Pennsylvania to reach 100% renewable energy by 2050.
In her welcome, UUFP President Linda Kozitzky reminded us of the importance of our involvement. She recognized that there’s a lot of information floating around out there regarding energy and choices, and our Unitarian Universalist Principal for free and responsible search for truth and meaning compels us to educate, bring forward points of view, and offer opportunity for discussion. Our Seventh Principal is the respect for the interdependent web of existence for which we are a part — how we interact with our planet, what we’re doing for our planet, and how we are protecting it for future generations.
In her introduction, Trish R pointed out that adopting 100% renewable energy by 2050 may sound like an unreachable goal but the bill sets targets for state and local governments to reach the process by turning those ideas into action. She also stressed the importance of Senators Muth and Cappelletti’s work in the Senate to connect ordinary citizens with the process of legislating.
Senator Muth spoke about Pennsylvania’s addiction to fossil fuel, the difficulties of trying to pass legislation in the current government, and her campaign for public awareness. For instance, many in the audience were interested to hear her say that not only is Pennsylvania one of the most polluting states, but one of the most polluted spots on the Earth for carbon and methane.
Senator Cappelletti spoke about local government’s role to try to get this type of legislation past the state level. Local communities can commit to being powered 100% by renewable energy and pass resolutions and have working groups to look at ways to incorporate green energy.
The senators then took questions from the nearly 50 attendees before everyone adjourned to the North Lawn for refreshments and further climate-related discussions. If you missed it, the talk is posted on the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown YouTube channel.