Connecticut College Renewable Energy Policy
Type: Policy
Status: Adopted
Source File: http://greenliving.conncoll.edu/Renewable%20Energy%20Policy.pdf
Description:
I. Policy
The student body resolves to continue the established policy of adding $25 to the price of the comprehensive fee. The student body also resolves to guarantee the continuation of this commitment for the next ten year, beginning in fiscal year 2004-2005 and ending in fiscal year 2014-2015.
In accordance with the original student referendum, "100% of this additional student fee must be directly used towards purchasing renewable energy", where renewable energy is defined as electric power derived from sources that have a minimal impact on human health and the natural environment such as, but not limited to, solar, wind, and low-impact hydro-electric dams.
The student body authorizes the College to use these funds to:
- purchase renewable energy directly from the source of generation
- purchase equipment to establish renewable energy sources on campus or at a nearby location
- purchase renewable energy through a local electric utility
- make a grant or loan towards the construction of a new renewable energy facility
- purchase independently certified Tradable Renewable Certificates (TRC's)
II. Appropriation Process
A. As the College’s officially recognized body concerned with environmental affairs and sustainability, the Environmental Model Committee (EMC) will be charged with the responsibility of proposing how the Renewable Energy Fund (REF) will be appropriated each year. The proposal must be within the guidelines established in Section I of the Renewable Energy Policy. This recommendation will require a simple majority vote of all eligible voting members of the EMC. As the creators of the REF, the Renewable Energy Club will have the right to formally introduce proposals to the EMC regarding use of the REF.
B. After the EMC issues its recommendation, the proposal will be presented to the Student Government Association (SGA). As the funds are derived from a voluntary student fee, the power of final review and approval will rest with the SGA, the elected representative body of the students. The SGA has the power to make amendments to the proposal using standard parliamentary procedure. If the SGA makes no substantive amendments to the proposal, it can be put to a vote whereby a 4/5 vote of all eligible voting members of the SGA will make the proposal effective.
If the SGA makes substantive changes to the proposal or does not ratify it, the issue will be tabled and will be referred back to the EMC for further consideration. The proposal will then repeat the process outlined above as necessary.
III. Amendment Process
A. Amendments to this policy must have the effect of increasing the overall positive environmental impact of the policy.
B. Amendments to this policy must be approved by the following bodies to become effective:
- 1) SGA, by a 4/5 vote of all eligible voting members, pursuant to Part 3, Article VI, Section C, Paragraph 1 of the C Book.
- 2) EMC, by a 4/5 vote of all eligible voting members