Interfaith Power and Light (IPL)
| Abstract | The Interfaith Power and Light (IPL) movement consists of a growing number of state-wide inter-religious organizations dedicated to clean and renewable energy. Although each IPL is independent and unique, they share a common ancestry and a common commitment to foster environmental responsibility in the area of energy use by reaching out to faith communities and religious institutions state-wide. In states with deregulated electric industries, IPLs help individuals and congregations band together to purchase energy from green energy suppliers instead of mainstream utility companies. Purchasing electricity generated by wind, solar, or hydro-power reduces both dependence on nonrenewable energy sources (e.g., coal and natural gas) and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to facilitating the switch to clean and renewable energy sources, IPLs provide religious communities with resources about energy conservation strategies such as energy audits, energy efficient lighting, solar power, and building renovations. They aim to influence religious institutions and individual members, helping both to respond effectively to global climate change through the conservation of energy and through a process of conversion to renewable energy sources. |
| Religion | Inter-religious: Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam |
| Geographic Location | United States of America |
| Duration of Project | 2000–Present |
| History | The origins of the Interfaith Power and Light Movement can be traced back to 1997, when Reverend Sally Bingham and Steve MacAusland founded Episcopal Power and Light (EPL) in California under the auspices of the Regeneration Project, an inter-religious organization dedicated to deepening the connections between ecology and faith. Conceived as a pilot program for what would eventually become a much larger movement, EPL was established to help Episcopal churches become more energy efficient by conserving energy and by switching from traditional to green energy sources whenever possible. After EPL successfully signed up sixty Episcopal churches in California to purchase clean and renewable energy, the Regeneration Project sought to expand the initiative to include denominations in other states as well, and the IPL movement was born. In 2000, the Regeneration Project (TRP) collaborated with the California Council of Churches to form California Interfaith Power and Light. Since 2000, fourteen states have affiliated with TRP and developed similar programs. Collectively they have begun a national movement to help Americans transition away from our dependency on fossil fuel thus helping to save God’s Creation from the peril of global climate change. |
| Mission Statement |
As a religious response to climate change, the Interfaith Power and Light movement seeks to conserve nonrenewable energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by helping religious communities in their respective states become better stewards of creation through the use of green energy and energy efficient practices. Available Mission Statements California Interfaith Power and Light Georgia Interfaith Power and Light Interfaith Power and Light (IP&L) of Pennsylvania Maine Interfaith Power and Light Massachusetts Interfaith Power and Light (MIP&L) New York Interfaith Power and Light Oregon Interfaith Power and Light Tennessee Interfaith Power and Light |
| Partner Organizations | Each IPL works with religious, environmental, and green energy organizations in their respective states. |
| Long-Term Goals | None Listed |
| Bibliography | None Listed |
| Additional Research Resources | None Listed |
| Contact Information |
National California Connecticut Georgia Maine Massachusetts New York Oregon Pennsylvania Tennessee |