It’s Getting Hot In Here

Students are taking it upon themselves to pick up the financial slack

Sentiment is the same across the state: Students want clean energy. Over the past year, students from the University of Central Florida, New College, Florida Atlantic University and the University of Florida have been putting together a comprehensive plan to attain their goals of getting clean energy on their campuses. The first phase of the plan is to begin a “Green Fee” paid along with tuition.

The proposed 50 to 75 cent per credit hour fee would be put in a fund strictly for financing projects that would reduce campus energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. It is still uncertain who will over see the fund, though current proposals give that authority to campus sustainability committees which would consist of students, faculty and staff.

“In an era of human-induced global warming, we’ve all got to do our part to curb our emissions and raise the standard by which we live our lives” proclaimed Leon McIntyre a recent UCF graduate.

As a part of the Campus Climate Challenge, a national campaign of youth climate activists, similar Green Fee initiatives have been undertaken at leading southeastern schools such as University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and the University of Tennessee. “Green Fee campaigns are being carried out at universities across America, and we think it is high time for Florida universities to join the national youth climate movement‚Äù said New College Student Amy Ortiz.

UCF Student Senator Stephen Mortellaro states “Campuses use a large portion of the nations energy from non renewable resources like coal which contribute to global warming pollution. We’ve got to do something and the [Green] fee seems like a great first step.” Mortellaro is also the campaign coordinator at UCF for the green fee campaign which is expected to have a student vote during the next Student Government elections this coming fall.

The Gators for Sustainable Campus group at University of Florida recently passed a student vote with 78% approval which has been approved and backed by UF president Machen and is awaiting review by the Board of Trustees which is scheduled to occur this summer. If passed by the Trustees the fee will eventually make it to the legislature and governor for final approval.

When asked about the fee, FAU Student David Martin said “For about 14 dollars a year, I can help make my campus more sustainable? Sign me up!”

While the Green Fee campaign has currently been limited to the public University System, there has been some involvement from students from private institutions looking at how similar programs can be incorporated into those campuses.

For more information on the Green Fee or to get involved, please contact Jason@climateaction.net or visit us on the web at www.climateaction.net/flgreenfee