Honestly, we wished we could...but the reality is we can’t.
Here’s why:
#1 Our furnaces are old (34 years old). One is currently inoperative. It has been repaired 3 times in the past 3 years. This is likely to accelerate as other repairs are necessary on the other furnaces. We’re just throwing good money after bad.
#2 Mission Green has concerns about reaching a quorum for a Congregational vote later in the summer while many are on vacation.
#3 Mission Green is also concerned about completing the project before winter. The timeline to get contractors lined up and jobs completed will be tight. Global supply chain issues could also be problematic. Time is of the essence for the successful completion of the project.
#4 The grants and additional funding already secured by Mission Green are for “shovel-ready” projects. Delaying the start of the project could jeopardize these funds.
#5 The Federal Solar Credit decreases in 2023. These tax credits are how Mission Green can accomplish the project and significantly lower the cost to Good Shepherd. Without these Solar Credits, the project would not be viable.
#6 While it may seem like the project has only been recently revealed, this proposal has been working through Good Shepherd committees for over 6 months: Pastor Amy, Property & Management, Social Justice, and the Congregational Council have all received information leading up to the presentations to the congregation. Mission Green, LLC has been researching this project for over a year.
#7 We feel a sense of moral and ethical urgency to help slow the rising level of carbon emissions in the atmosphere. The planet can’t wait.
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