In no way is the prospect of a major focus on renewable energy bad for our state. The arguments against all forms of renewable energy are weak when actually examined. The idea that they would somehow take away jobs was a common idea last year, during the debates on the new coal plants being built in Holcomb.

It was this argument that convinced many, especially from the Holcomb area, to support the plants and oppose the construction of wind farms. The assumption here would be that wind farms do not create any jobs, a fallacy unless there are robots that can build and maintain such farms and power plants.

Kansas is considered the third-best state for wind energy potential, and a focus on renewable energy programs in the state could provide not only jobs for new plants, but outside money coming in to purchase the power generated from them. RES programs would benefit us economically, and make us a leader in green energy.

— Ben Cohen is a Topeka senior in political science.

The incontestable scientific consensus about climate change has finally compelled the U.S. government to address the long-term threat posed by rising CO2 levels.

Enacting a cap-and-trade system for carbon emissions coupled with more stringent renewable electricity requirements is an essential first step in addressing this critical issue.

No doubt, cutting carbon emissions entails sizable economic costs and scientific models cannot tell us the long-term economic impact of a changing climate, but it remains imperative to hedge against the substantial risk posed to people around the world by increasing temperatures, shifting weather patterns and rising sea levels.

If no action is taken to curb carbon emissions, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has projected that temperatures in Kansas will rise by an average of 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100, more than in any other state.

— Dan Thompson is a Topeka senior in economics.

The people of Kansas should not have to worry about an increase in their energy bills if the purpose of that increase is to prevent global warming.

In January of last year, President Barack Obama said that “Under my plan of a cap-and-trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket.”

A national RES was part of the cap-and-trade bill already passed by the House of Representatives designed to reduce climate-changing greenhouse gases. Contrary to claims of green job creation, this bill does the complete opposite. Because everything Kansans use and produce requires energy, a considerable increase in energy prices will have a devastating effect on our economy. This tax will hit Kansans pocketbooks over and over again.

The result will be a considerable reduction in the rate of economic growth, the amount of gross state product, household incomes and employment. It will also, as promised, significantly raise electricity prices and gasoline prices.

— Chet Compton is a Witchita senior in political science.