Press Mention Metro Pulse June 9, 2004
SACE Referenced
UT: Back Clean Energy
In this mention
A University of Tennessee student op-ed advocates for the Clean Energy Initiative, a student-led proposal in collaboration with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy to fund clean energy production through a student fee. The initiative, supported by over 4,000 student votes in a March 2004 referendum, was rejected by UT leadership despite its potential environmental and health benefits. The author criticizes university administrators for opposing the proposal despite UT's stated commitment to environmental awareness.
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rationality and respectable decisions, but they have done just the opposite concerning this matter. I hope that Knoxville's citizens will take the opportunity to show their support for this student-led initiative by contacting the university and various media sources, so that everyone can reap the benefits of clean energy production.
Jon Paul Plumlee
UT junior in environmental studies
Knoxville
UT: Back Clean Energy
The spring semester of 2004 at the University of Tennessee reflected an important point in the initiative and actions of the student body.
In support of the Clean Energy Initiative led by SPEAK (Students Promoting Environmental Action in Knoxville) in collaboration with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, students and faculty have clearly shown their interest in helping the University of Tennessee create a cleaner tomorrow through support of a student fee that will generate over $400,000 a year in funds to put towards clean energy production.
Over 4,000 students voted for the student referendum in March, but apparently to no avail. UT Vice President Phil Scheurer and Chancellor Loren Crabtree have already refused to support the proposal, regardless of the benefits it will have towards the respiratory health of the citizens in the Southeastern United States, the ecological stability it will provide to the Appalachian Mountains and surrounding watersheds, and the environmentally progressive status that will be given to UT.
Considering that the University will soon be having an entire semester dedicated to environmental awareness and a clean energy conference in February, I am disappointed that certain individuals in influential positions have decided to convey their selfish and contradictory opinions at the expense of many. These individuals should reflect