Unitarian Universalist Policy

Renewable and Local Energy

Extend the Tax Credit for Wind and Solar Power
2008 Action of Immediate Witness

...Whereas: Wind power and solar power partially replace electricity generation by coal-fired plants; ...

Whereas: The solar and wind power industries planned to generate 116,000 new jobs, but may instead lay off workers;

Therefore, be it resolved: The 2008 General Assembly encourages its member congregations to write or petition their senators to vote immediately to extend the tax credit for wind and solar power ...

Threat of Global Warming/Climate Change
2006 Statement of Conscience

...Advocacy Goals

• Funding for research and development of renewable energy resources and energy-efficient technologies that includes a shift of federal subsidies from fossil fuel industries to renewable energy technologies and improved energy efficiency; ...
• Safe and responsible development of power sources with low greenhouse gas emissions; ...
• Funding for development of energy-efficient mass transit and encouragement of its widespread use; ...

Alternate Sources and Conservation of Energy
1981 General Resolution

WHEREAS, the United States must, out of economic, ecological, and political necessity, develop alternate sources of energy and means of conserving energy;

BE IT RESOLVED: That the 1981 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association urges all churches, fellowships and individuals to request their United States Representatives and Senators to legislate:

• Greater financial commitment to long-range basic research and development of solar and other alternate renewable sources of energy and means of conserving energy;
• Greater financial incentives in the form of larger tax rebates to persons who adopt alternate sources of energy and/or means of conserving energy.

Energy
1977 General Resolution

...THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the 1977 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association regards it as essential:

That balanced consideration be given to the development of all alternative sources of energy and that environmental and social effects, risks, and benefits of each source be investigated by careful research and technological assessments, and the results be fully considered; ...

Green Jobs

Economic Injustice, Poverty, and Racism: We Can Make a Difference!
2000 Statement of Conscience

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, hereby rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of economic justice, an end to racism, and an end to poverty. We recognize that racism is a major contributor toward economic injustice. We pledge ourselves to strive to understand how racism and classism perpetuate poverty and to work for the systemic changes needed to promote a more just economy and compassionate society. Together, we can make a difference.

Our work for economic justice must include support for

• fair wages and benefits;
• access to adequate housing, social services, child care, adult daycare, education, health care, legal services, financial services, and transportation;
• the removal of environmental and occupational hazards that disproportionately affect low-income people;
• government and corporate policies that promote economic investment in the urban core and rural communities;
• tax systems that prevent affluent individuals and corporations from sheltering assets and income at the expense of those less privileged;

Working for a Just Economic Community
1997 General Resolution

A Job, A Home, A Hope
1995 General Resolution

Environmental Justice
1994 General Resolution

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Unitarian Universalist Association shall act and urge its affiliates, member societies, and individual Unitarian Universalists to:

• promote programs for social, economic, and political empowerment so that all people may join together in one struggle for peace, justice, and sustainable development;
• support the development of democratic and ecologically responsible community organizations, labor unions, and business cooperatives;

Problem of Environmental Policy
1977 General Resolution

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the 1977 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association urges:

• Government on all levels to continue to support the needs of a healthy environment as the fundamental prerequisite to a healthy society which can provide itself with a healthy balanced economy;