Friday, April 6, 2007
Next week’s election not only allows the selection of student representatives, but also the ability to assert an opinion on the University of Kansas’ energy usage.
Referendum No. 1 asks if students want to raise the student fees $1.50 for a Renewable Energy and Sustainability fee. This fee will be used to ensure that by the year 2020, 20 percent of the University‘s power supply is fueled by renewable energy.
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Few referenda, or student dollars, have the ability to improve such a global matter. Given the drastic effects of global warming — which will surely be worse by 2020 — and the incredible difference tiny measures can make, voting no for Referendum No. 1 is no less than foolish.
This is an achievable goal and something that may not directly benefit students within the next year or two, but will serve countless others in the future. Reducing toxic emissions, conserving natural resources and taking preventive measures to protect your health; what other selling points do you need to vote yes to this referendum?
Few referenda, or student dollars, have the ability to improve such a global matter. Given the drastic effects of global warming — which will surely be worse by 2020 — and the incredible difference tiny measures can make, voting no for Referendum No. 1 is no less than foolish. For a price barely more than a campus vending machine Coke, you can help the environment, on an ultimately global scale.
Renewability and sustainability are also hot issues within the hot issue of global warming. The 20 percent policy would surely put yet another gold star on the University’s exemplary research reputation.
While 2020 may seem too distant to comprehend, it is closer than we realize. Surely a student fee for something we can tangibly obtain now would seem more appealing.
However, we don’t skimp on inoculations, smoke detectors or locks for our doors. Those things all ensure safety and a sense of comfort that is difficult to put a price on. $1.50 is a ridiculously cheap price for a sense of comfort that you are making your world a healthier and safer place.
As reported in the Wind Energy Weekly, Gov. Bill Ritter of Colorado just signed a bill to get the state to be reliant on 20 percent renewable energy by the year 2020.
If the state of Colorado sees this as a beneficial and achievable goal, then certainly the University can achieve it as well. So when voting in the upcoming Student Senate elections, seriously consider Referendum No. 1 and its lasting effects.
— Tasha Riggins for the editorial board
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Comments
Editoral: Voting for Referendum No. 1 is a vote for the future
I think it's wrong to pass a fee increase if you haven't yet revealed your plan stating HOW this money will be used to convert our energy system into a more "green" one.
Throwing money at a problem does not fix it.
Editoral: Voting for Referendum No. 1 is a vote for the future
connerm said "I think it's wrong to pass a fee increase if you haven't yet revealed your plan stating HOW this money will be used to convert our energy system into a more "green" one."
Answer: This fee will be used to ensure that by the year 2020, 20 percent of the University‘s power supply is fueled by renewable energy.
There is probably a report somewhere where it is accessible to those who want to see just how exactly this $1.50 will be used to make KU more green. You just have to go to Student Senate and ask.
Editoral: Voting for Referendum No. 1 is a vote for the future
Tasha Riggins apparently didn't even read the referendum...Senate is not asking to raise fees, they are asking to reallocate fees. THIS IS NOT A FEE INCREASE!! Further if she would have done more research she would have learned that there are already plans on how to spend that money in order for KU to use 20% renewable energy by 2020.
Finally, the Governor Sebelius set a goal in her 2007 State of the State Address for 20% renewable energy by 2020 for the State of Kansas as well.
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