Resolution Number: 2018-A011
Title: Affirm Commitment to Address Environmental Racism
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Substituted
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 79th General Convention affirm the need for governments, private industry and all people to act to protect the health of all persons from unsafe and unhealthy exposures to air and water pollution, toxic substances, or radiation in their food, water supply, living quarters, and work places; and be it further

Resolved, That the Church recommit to the excellent work done by previous General Conventions of The Episcopal Church, specifically resolutions 2000-D005, 2012-B023, 2012-C079, and 2015-C013 and that General Convention affirm that no community, especially poor communities, those who live closest to the land in subsistence cultures, and members of marginalized ethnic groups, should bear a disproportionate risk of environmental pollution or degradation; and advocate for and support policies that protect these populations and the sanctity of communities and the livelihood of future generations from the disparate impact of climate change and environmental degradation; and be it further

Resolved, That General Convention direct the formation of a Task Force, not to exceed twelve people, including attorneys, health professionals, environmental professionals, and bishops and other clergy to study and report specific recommendations for appropriate changes in federal, state, or local law so that effective judicial remedies, based on a showing of disproportionate health or environmental impact on those living closest to the land in subsistence cultures, ethnic minorities or poor communities, can be obtained to address unwise governmental decisions with respect to land use, industrial, energy and transportation development, and application of environmental standards; and be it further

Resolved, That the Task Force will report to Executive Council by the end of 2019; and be it further

Resolved, That Program, Budget and Finance consider a budget allocation of $30,000 for the work of the Task Force for the Triennium.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Austin, 2018 (New York: General Convention, 2018), pp. 372-373.

Legislative History

Author: Advisory Council on the Stewardship of Creation
Originating House: House of Bishops
Originating Committee: Environmental Stewardship and Care of Creation

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Environmental Stewardship and Care of Creation presented its Report #1 on Resolution A011 (Oppose Environmental Racism) and moved to adopt with substitute.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A011)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 79th General Convention affirm that fossil fuel-based power plants are the single largest source of carbon dioxide pollution in the United States and major contributors to climate change; these emissions not only threaten the environmental stability of our planet, but also the health of young children and their families, disproportionately affecting the poorest among us; and be it further

Resolved, That the Church recommit to and direct the Office of Government Relations and the Episcopal Public Policy Network to oppose Environmental Racism expressed in such ways as the locating of extraction, production, and disposal industries where they disproportionately harm neighborhoods inhabited by people of color and low income communities. And to oppose coal, gas, oil, and uranium extraction and its subsequent transportation which threaten the health and sanctity of communities and the livelihood of future generations; especially as such industries are located disproportionately nearby low income communities and neighborhoods inhabited by people of color.

Committee Substitute:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 79th General Convention affirm the need for governments, private industry and all people to act to protect the health of all persons from unsafe and unhealthy exposures to air and water pollution, toxic substances, or radiation in their food, water supply, living quarters, and work places; and be it further

Resolved, That the Church recommit to the excellent work done by previous General Conventions of The Episcopal Church, specifically resolutions 2000-D005, 2012-B023, 2012-C079, and 2015-C013 and that General Convention affirm that no community, especially poor communities, those who live closest to the land in subsistence cultures, and members of marginalized ethnic groups, should bear a disproportionate risk of environmental pollution or degradation; and advocate for and support policies that protect these populations and the sanctity of communities and the livelihood of future generations from the disparate impact of climate change and environmental degradation; and be it further

Resolved, that the General Convention direct the formation of a Task Force, not to exceed twelve people, including attorneys, health professionals, environmental professionals, and bishops and other clergy to study and report specific recommendations for appropriate changes in federal, state, or local law so that effective judicial remedies, based on a showing of disproportionate health or environmental impact on those living closest to the land in subsistence cultures, ethnic minorities or poor communities, can be obtained to address unwise governmental decisions with respect to land use, industrial, energy and transportation development, and application of environmental standards; and be it further

Resolved, The Task Force will report to Executive Council by the end of 2019; and be it further

Resolved, That Program, Budget & Finance consider a budget allocation of $30,000 for the work of the Task Force for the Triennium.

Motion carried

Substitute resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #33)

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Environmental Stewardship and Care of Creation presented its Report #1 on HB Message #33 on Resolution A011 (Oppose Environmental Racism) and moved concurrence.

Motion carried

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #180)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, July 10.

Report Reference:   Advisory Council on the Stewardship of Creation, Reports to the 79th General Convention, 2018, pp. 574-592.
Abstract:   The 79th General Convention reaffirms the church’s commitment to a safe and healthy environment and authorizes a task force to recommend remedies to address governmental policies affecting community health and environment.