A couple of months ago I was approached by students supporting the Sustainable Campus Initiative.
These concerned students discussed what the SCI wanted to accomplish and its long-term goals. I signed a petition and have since received numerous e-mails detailing the purpose of the initiative.
From what I have read, the initiative has been thought out by many students, faculty and staff at the U.
Last week, as a member of the Associated Students of the University of Utah Assembly, I strongly supported the initiative and the $2.50 increase to student fees that would help fund it.
My support of this bill came from my own beliefs and e-mails I received from students in the College of Humanities who were also in support of the bill. I never once received an e-mail opposing the SCI.
Since this initiative passed in the ASUU Assembly and the Senate, I have been shocked by the negative publicity demonstrated by The Daily Utah Chronicle and its misinformed readers.
The initiative has been well researched and is poised to have a positive impact on the U. Sustainability is not a fad; it is a real solution to problems plaguing our campus regarding energy.
This initiative is meant to improve our campus for years to come, not until it is no longer trendy. In fact, many of the best universities in the country have passed initiatives similar to the SCI. If not properly funded, the sustainability efforts of the initiative will almost certainly fail.
Many feel they cannot afford a $2.50 increase. However, we cannot afford to ignore this issue.
This country, not just our university and state, is taking drastic measures regarding energy. For example, last year, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. mandated that all state agencies begin a four-day, 10-hour work week. I work part-time for a state agency, and this action was initially considered to be radical, but state employees are embracing the change. Now, many other states are considering the same action to reduce energy costs.
The SCI is a worthwhile investment that can produce great rewards, if we all support it.
Please take the time to read over the proposal, fully grasp what this initiative is capable of and ignore the propaganda.
Editor’s Note8212;Casey Elliot is vice president of the U College Democrats.
Casey Elliot