Dear USF Leadership,

As faculty, staff, alumni 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 the Patel College of Global Sustainability’s research and academic offerings pertaining to renewable energy, Facilities Management’s energy efficiency programs and the many projects funded by the Student Green Energy Fund, particularly the installation of over a thousand solar panels to help power the Marshall Student Center. We know from these accomplishments and USF’s 2010 Climate Action Plan that increasing the production and use of renewable energy on campus is a priority. 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. We're calling on USF to follow the lead of other top institutions like Carnegie Melon, Cornell, Boston University, the University of California system, and Brown University who have already committed to obtain 100% of their energy sources from renewable energy.

Renewable energy has incredible potential. 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.

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.