Austin Peay State Univ., TN Student Referendum on Campus Renewable Energy

Type: Resolution

Status: Introduced on 11/1/06 (Result Unknown)

Source File: http://www.apsu.edu/SOARE/index_files/referendum.doc

Text:

SGA Resolution No. 7
November 1, 2006
This resolution promotes a more sustainable campus by offering students the opportunity to vote on APSU’s investment in renewable energy.

Whereas: APSU is a leader among Tennessee and Southeastern Universities;

Whereas: APSU used 25,655,628 kilowatt hours of electricity from July 2005- June 2006, costing $1,585,678;

Whereas: The majority of APSU’s energy is derived from burning coal, which is a non-renewable fossil fuel;

Whereas: APSU recognizes that burning fossil fuels is harmful to the environment and hazardous to human health;

Whereas: APSU can become a renewable energy pioneer by increasing energy efficiency and producing renewable energy on campus, and by purchasing renewable energy;

Whereas: Students at many colleges and universities across the country have passed renewable energy initiatives;

Whereas: The Tennessee Board of Regents has approved similar initiatives at other Tennessee schools;

Whereas: Over 64% of APSU students surveyed indicated they would pay $10 or more per semester for renewable energy;

THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED BY THE 61st CONGRESS OF THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF APSU THAT:

Section 1: Upon passage of this resolution, the student body will be allowed to vote on this referendum;

Section 2: Approval by the student body consists of a majority vote of those who participate in the vote, equaling 50% plus 1;

Section 3: If approved by the student body with a majority vote, the SGA will present the results to the President’s Cabinet to then be brought forth to the Tennessee Board of Regents for approval;

Section 4: If approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents, a committee of seven will be formed by the Vice President of Student Affairs to include representatives from the Physical Plant, Finance and Administration, faculty, SGA and other students to disburse the Renewable Energy Fee and re-evaluate the allocation annually.

Referendum Question:
Do you support Austin Peay State University increasing its energy efficiency and usage of renewable energy in order to benefit your health and environment by paying a Renewable Energy Fee not to exceed $10 per semester?