URJ Resolution: Energy (1991)

NEW NORTH AMERICAN ENERGY STRATEGY

Excerpt:

Adopted at the 61st General Assembly
November, 1991
Baltimore, MD

BACKGROUND

"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof" reminds us that we are only stewards of nature, obliged to cherish and preserve it. Jewish tradition is emphatic that human dominion over nature does not include a license to abuse the environment.

…During the last ten years, reliance on imported oil increased from less than 30% in 1980 to nearly 50% in 1990. During the same period numerous successful programs that would have reduced our use of oil and energy were undercut or underfunded.

…Conservation and efficiency are needed in all sectors of our economy, however, few sectors offer greater potential gains than transportation.

THEREFORE, the Union of American Hebrew Congregations resolves to:

1. Reaffirm our 1979 resolution supporting the development of a national energy policy centered on conservation of energy and development of alternative energy sources and reaffirm our opposition to the further expansion of nuclear energy until the unanswered questions regarding safety and disposal of nuclear wastes are satisfactorily resolved.

   ….4. Oppose off shore-drilling, drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and drilling in other environmentally sensitive areas until it has been demonstrated that it can be done in an environmentally sound manner and until it has been approved both federally and locally in the affected areas, after public debate.

Learn more at http://rac.org/advocacy/issues/issueenv/issuecc/action/.

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