Interfaith Climate Coalition Closes National Headquarters Amid Trump’s Environmental Assaults: What It Means for Our Future

Interfaith Power and Light, a leading U.S. faith-based environmental network, has closed its national office due to financial difficulties, as announced by its board in late January.

This sudden closure comes at a critical time when the Trump administration is actively working to dismantle climate and environmental justice initiatives. At the same time, climate-related disasters are becoming increasingly evident in California and across the nation.

Despite the national office shutting down, Interfaith Power and Light’s mission continues through its 40 state and regional affiliates. Each affiliate operates independently, with its own leadership and fundraising efforts. Interfaith Power and Light has been a powerful voice for environmental issues for over 20 years, encouraging faith communities to adopt solar energy, support clean air legislation, and take action against fossil fuel projects.

The board’s decision to suspend national operations, effective January 17, was described as “difficult and painful.” Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb, a board member, shared his shock, stating, “It was sudden and painful.” The financial issues stemmed from consecutive years of deficits totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. In their 2023 tax filings, the organization reported a revenue shortfall of $802,168, driven by significant funding declines combined with rising payroll costs.

In December, expectations for a turnaround with new grants failed to materialize, leading to the decision to suspend national operations. Scherlinder Dobb noted that a combination of staff growth and unmet fundraising goals contributed to the current crisis.

Moving forward, Interfaith Power and Light will focus on strengthening its network of regional affiliates. Dobb emphasized the expertise and commitment of these local leaders, who will guide the movement from the ground up. Decisions about the future of the national office and its programs will be handled by a steering committee that has long been in place.

Sstate affiliate leaders, like Katie Rice from Pennsylvania Interfaith Power and Light, acknowledged the grief accompanying this transition but see it as an opportunity to forge a new leadership model. Rice stated, “Our strength is in the people who power our movement from the ground up.” Founded in 2000, Interfaith Power and Light began with Episcopal congregations in California and has grown to play a significant role in environmental advocacy.

Throughout its history, the organization has hosted various campaigns and events, including screenings of Al Gore’s documentary “An Inconvenient Truth” and its Cool Congregations program, which encourages houses of worship to reduce their emissions.

In recent years, Interfaith Power and Light’s national staff worked to inform religious organizations about federal incentives for renewable energy from the Inflation Reduction Act, which represents a major investment in climate initiatives. They also advocated for this legislation’s passage and provided valuable resources for local leaders.

While the closure of the national office is significant, regional affiliates remain active, with many already mobilized to tackle environmental challenges. Dobb reassured that the commitment to environmental justice persists as local leaders continue to work on behalf of the planet.

The board remains in place, expressing hope that the foundation built over the past two decades will continue to inspire progress. They reaffirmed that spiritual traditions unite us in the shared responsibility to care for the Earth and those affected by the climate crisis.

As Rice pointed out, the network will persist as a hub for those looking to unite faith with climate action, with grassroots efforts continuing undeterred.