Over 50 Ursuline Sisters, Associates and guests from other congregations and parishes were present June 13 for the panel discussion entitled, “A New Energy Vision: The Time Is Now.”

Sponsored by the Social Concerns Committee and held in the Motherhouse library, the event included a PowerPoint presentation accompanied by presenters with firsthand knowledge of the problems that the processes of mountaintop removal mining and fracking create for the planet and for the health of its inhabitants.

Those gathered were challenged to educate themselves and others and to become familiar with, and join or support, organizations that are working toward putting an end to these environmentally destructive methods.

Panelists included Susan Classen, COL, director Cedars of Peace; Sister Claire McGowan, OP; Sister Maureen O’Connell, SL; and Deb Pekny, who, along with her husband, has opposed the building of a pipeline carrying natural gas liquids that would run a half mile from their residence.