April 18, 2022

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Blessings these holy days of Passover, Easter, Ramadan and EARTH WEEK. In darkly times there is always hope on a deep level, because we know we are doing our collective spirit work and loving actions for communities of life and all beings we share life with on this Holy Planet.

If you missed them....check out special prayer service for Holy Days--Ways of the Earth Worship...https://www.nm-ipl.org/inspirational-videos/

Thank you for work for new methane rules in NM

April 14, 2022

After two and half years of public discussion and consultation, the state of New Mexico adopted new air quality rules that would eliminate hundreds of millions of pounds of harmful emissions annually from oil and gas operations in the state. The new rule, announced on April 14, will improve air quality for New Mexicans by establishing innovative and actionable regulations to curb the formation of ground-level ozone. Methane is one of the key drivers of climate change. It is a powerful greenhouse gas 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term.

The New Mexico Environment Department will implement the oil and gas air pollution rules the EIB adopted today. The rules require oil and gas operators to inspect all wells for leaks on a frequent basis without exemptions and protect those living closest to development by requiring more frequent inspections to find and fix leaks in proximity to homes and schools. Read Press Release from NMED

Conservation, public health, and community leaders from across New Mexico today applauded the Environmental Improvement Board’s (EIB) preliminary approval of final ozone precursor regulations for oil and gas production and processing. This includes nation-leading rules that address equipment leaks and malfunctions that account for 70% of the industry’s methane emissions problem.

"We all have an ethical and moral responsibility to care for our land, water, air and communities, which are sacred gifts. Leadership in New Mexico holds a particular public responsibility to address pollution from oil and gas industries. The Environmental Improvement Board has taken vital action to care for Our Common Home and those who are most vulnerable and whose voices and concerns are often not heard. People of faith are grateful for reforms that cherish life.” said Joan Brown, osf, NMEPR-IPL executive director. Read more.....

Check out some new events below....AND YOUR DONATIONS for our work are always welcome!

Peace, hope, joy, and gratitude

Sr. Joan, Director

Tuesday, April 19, 7:00 pm

An Iftar Meal

Albuquerque Turkish Community

Register

carlos@nm-ipl.org

The Muslim Turkish community is inviting the NM Interfaith Hunger Coalition and IPL to join them for the breaking of Ramadan fast with prayer, community and amazing food!! Please join us. All are welcome. You may wear masks except to eat. Registration required.

Interfaith Forest of Bliss Tree planting at Feed the Hood, Apr. 14., Albuquerque

Thursday, April 21, 5:30-6:30

Oil, Gas, the Permian and War in Ukraine

IPL community is invited to this special conversation with Tom Singer, Ph.d, Policy Analyst, Western Environmental Law Center. Register through carlos@nm-ipl.org.

April 22-May 1

National IPL week of Faith and Climate Action

Our Children's Trust

What are you doing to educate, celebrate and engage?

Let us know. In picture to the right---Judy and Efraim at Congregation Albert, Albuquerque are working in their pollinator meadow which shares a space with their school. Their Earth Team shared over 100 native low water flower seed packets with families and children to celebrate Earth Month.

Friday, April 22, 6:30

Planting the Seed: Interfaith PEarth Day Prayer Service

Holy Cross Retreat Center, Mesilla Park, NM

600 Holy Cross Rd, Mesilla Park, NM 88047

Saturday, April 23, 10-3 pm

Earth Day Events at Holy Cross Retreat Center

600 Holy Cross Rd, Mesilla Park, NM 88047

All are welcome to this event to share and learn about water conservation, seed saving, solar panels and more! For more information contact odile@nm-ipl.org.

Sunday, April 24 Various Earth Religious Services and events

ABQ Mennonite Sunday Service, Sr. Joan offering sermon, 10:30

St. Thomas of Canterbury, ABQ, Service and blessing of solar installation, 10 am---all are invited!!!

First Congregational, 2801 Lomas Blvd NE, ABQ, 12-2:30-- In person Showing of Youth vs. Gov. the story of America’s youth taking on the world’s most powerful government. Armed with a wealth of evidence, twenty-one courageous leaders file a ground-breaking lawsuit against the U.S. government. They assert it willfully acted over six decades to create the climate crisis and endangering their constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property. Contact ruth.striegel@gmail.com.

April 27, 7-9 Virtual Showing....contact ruth.striegel@gmail.com.

Let us know about your events to list!!!

Action and Engagement

IPL continues to work toward cleaner air, less climate polluting methane and health for the future. Please uplift the message for strong federal methane rules. Here is a creative action, try to engage young folks, they would love this. The Methane Partners Campaign is collecting #MyMethane Stories to uplift voices and highlight methane's impact. Please record a selfie video to demonstrate why methane is important to you, and promote this opportunity within your networks. Video submissions will be featured in upcoming Methane Partner social media outreach. Additional details and instructions can be found in this Selfie Video Guide or contact joan@nm-ip.org if you have questions and be sure to mention you are a person of faith and conscience.

Become a Faith Climate Voter Campaign for Earth Month. IPL invites you to sign a petition and also gather signers on a petition. Each year, congregations and individuals are invited to take an advocacy action to care for the Earth as part of Faith Climate Action Week activities. In this important election year, the Faith Climate Action Week postcards and the online petition invite you to pledge to vote with the climate in mind. Sign the pledge here.