Dear President Cartwright,

As faculty, staff, and student organization leaders concerned about the warming of the earth that is changing our climate, we want to express our strong support for a rapid and steady shift from our reliance on fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy. We are encouraged by UCF’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2040. But, in order for us to lead, we need nothing less than a commitment to meeting all our energy needs with abundant, pollution-free renewable energy by no later than 2040.

Renewable energy has incredible potential. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, we could power the nation ten times over with available wind resources, and existing solar potential is 100 times our current energy needs. At the same time, we waste tremendous amounts of energy. Major corporations including Apple, General Motors and Walmart have committed to powering their operations entirely with renewable energy. Google just announced it will hit its target of 100 percent renewable energy later this year. And, dozens of cities; including, Orlando and St. Petersburg, Florida, Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah, Aspen, Colorado, and Georgetown, Texas all agree that the future is 100 percent renewable power.  

As significant users of energy, colleges and universities can make a big difference. At the same time, as influential institutions, our actions can set an example in hundreds of communities across America. Many institutions of higher education have already been leaders on climate. This year college and university presidents, along with sustainability directors, faculty and staff; will join with clean energy experts to reflect on bold climate leadership and discuss the path ahead.

In order to build on the progress that has been made and ensure that we transition to a clean and renewable future, we call on your administration to:

Make a clear commitment to achieve 100 percent renewable energy for all operations no later than 2040.

We thank you for your support and leadership to date and stand ready to work with you to achieve 100 percent renewable energy and put America on a path to a truly clean energy future.