Erie Benedictine sisters, oblates, and peacemakers participated in two events supporting the future of renewable energy in contrast to the fossil fuel energy being promoted at the The Shale Insight Conference held September 16-17 at Erie’s Bayfront Convention Center. The events aligned with global “SunDay” events, a week of actions in September celebrating the unstoppable rise of clean energy. Benedictines for Peace (BFP) Sister Anne McCarthy explained, “We’ll come together at two events in Erie to showcase the power of the sun and wind, the energy sources that can power our world without pollution.”
Both the SunDay visibility event on September 16 at Liberty Park and the SunDay rally on September 17 outside the Bayfront Convention Center celebrated the sustainable and clean future of renewable energy in contrast to the fossil fuel industry of the past that is expensive, dirty, and harmful to all life. The Shale Insight Conference, sponsored by the Marcellus Shale Coalition, promotes itself as the “leading conference on American shale energy, manufacturing and jobs.”
In addition to the rallies on land where renewable energy supporters gathered to share their views on signs and posters and through students from area colleges sharing their hopes and plans for a renewable-powered future, two pontoon boats in the waters of the bay offered an anti-fracking visual as well as messages delivered via megaphone to conference participants.
Cosponsors of the events include: Benedictines for Peace, Our Air Our Water Our Rights, Erie County United, Erie 50501, HECA (Hold Erie Coke Accountable), Mercyhurst University Citizens Climate Lobby Club, Erie Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Sierra Club, Sisters of St. Joseph Justice Team, Presque Isle Audubon, French Creek Indivisible, Third Act PA.
BFP would like to thank the Direct Support Fund which is made possible by The Heinz Endowments, the 11th Hour Project, Cloud Mountain Foundation, and the Plastic Solutions Fund, a project of the Mountain Watershed Association.
View a local newscast on the SunDay events in Erie.
