Interfaith Power and Light Public Policy Positions

Interfaith Power and Light is working to help congregations be models of energy efficiency, utilize renewable energy, and to lead by showing a strong example of stewardship of creation. At the same time, we know that we cannot stem the tide of global warming by our actions alone, and therefore we actively support public policies to reduce society-wide U.S. emissions to a sustainable level.

Following are our positions on specific policies:

Energy Efficiency

IPL strongly supports energy efficiency as the fastest, cheapest, and cleanest way to reduce emissions.

Renewable Energy Standard (RES)

IPL supports a rapid ramp up of renewable energy through a national RES. Included in the definition of renewables would be sited wind, solar, geothermal and some hydro. As much as possible renewables, should be close to the source to increase efficiency. IPL supports an RES of 25% by 2015.

Capping Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Cap and Trade

IPL strongly supports a mandatory cap on emissions. Cap and Trade is a system developed to put a cost on carbon and provide market incentives for industry to lower emissions. However, putting a cost on carbon can raise energy prices, which disproportionately affects low-income people. Therefore, we advocate for a social justice element in any carbon pricing program. Such a social justice element could be an auction of emissions credits, for example, with part of the revenue from the sale of the credits earmarked for low-income households and for energy efficiency programs.

Coal

IPL opposes construction of new coal-fired power plans, whether in pulverized or liquid form.