Church Leaders Call for Fuel-Efficient Autos

SALEM, Ore. — Religious leaders from across Oregon have asked state officials to replace more than 11,000 state vehicles with more fuel-efficient models.

A report commissioned by the Oregon Interfaith Global Warming Campaign said the move would reduce the fleet’s greenhouse gas emissions by 69,582 tons and save $1.3 million over the next decade.

Energy conservation was the focus of a recent interfaith summit in Salem, sponsored by Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, an association of 17 Christian denominations, and the Northwest Jewish Environmental Project.

“To consume, consume, consume and not care about the Earth -- that is not part of the church,” said the Rev. Stephen Soot of St. Anne Orthodox Church in Corvallis.