Interfaith climate justice vigil held at statehouse

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) — In a ceremony outside the statehouse, religious observers across the state joined in prayer and advocacy to demand climate justice today.

Two dozen people sang on the statehouse lawn. They heard from lawmakers, pastors, priests, and rabbis about how their faiths align with climate policy considered by state legislators.

“The vigil was a chance for faith leaders across the state to speak through their tradition and share why they care for the earth and why that empowers them to do advocacy work, policy work, and community work,” said Chelsea Steinauer-Scudder with Vt. Interfaith Power & Light.

This year, they hope lawmakers pass a bill relating to decreasing restrictions on installing portable solar energy devices, a bill to adopt federal appliance efficiency standards for the state, and a bill to allow Vermonters to charge EVs at condos and common properties.

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