The Michigan State University Spartan Sierra Club kicked off on April 23rd- we will fight for clean energy through our Administration’s not-so-perfect environmental history. We will push our Administration and energy provider, Consumer’s Energy, to move to at least 50% renewables by 2020.
This issue proves one of critical importance at MSU. As a university previously powered by the largest on-site coal plant on a college campus, and a campus of nearly 50,000 students, we know that our campus uses a significant amount of energy. Recent news from our president about plans to move away from coal in the next year brought excitement, especially to those in the Student Sierra Club and Greenpeace who made up our campus’ Beyond Coal Campaign. However, the plant’s transition to natural gas raised major concerns for students -- from the devastating effects of fracking to methane leakage -- which is why we came together to Seize the Grid and ultimately push for 100% clean energy.
On April 23rd students voiced hopes and concerns for MSU’s clean energy future on a big poster board including a lot of inspirational ideas about shifting to renewable energies on campus.
With the help of a powerful, core student group and dedicated faculty, our campus has endless possibilities regarding solar energy. Shown by our historical successes with solar power, namely a 2015 invention of a completely transparent solar cell that allows glass screens and window to generate solar power, the resources and knowledge are available.
Our group knows we have to push the administration farther and that’s exactly what we plan to do - Seize the Grid. The excellent programs that offer education in the areas of sustainability show our ability to talk the talk. Walking the walk will take outspoken students, creative thinkers and the ability to lead - traits shown early by students who came to our first Spartan Sierra Club meeting.
This fall, we hope to reach a breadth of students who are passionate about getting involved. We will meet with our administration about their energy plan, petition the student body and set up events to educate and engage students on the importance of clean energy.
In the area of clean energy, there is no better place to start than on a campus like Michigan State. It’s in our motto- “Spartans Will.”