{
"type": "rich",
"version": "1.0",
"provider_name": "Action Network",
"provider_url": "https://actionnetwork.org",
"html": "",
"author_name": "Students Fighting Climate Change",
"author_url": "https://actionnetwork.org/groups/students-fighting-climate-change-2",
"title": "UT Climate Action Petition",
"thumbnail_url": "https://actionnetwork.org//images/generic_facebook.jpg",
"description": "1.3 million acres of leases. 10,000 producing wells. Millions of dollars in investments. It’s time to say something about UT’s Fossil Fuels. Let's cut to the chase: the climate crisis is here, and Texas isn't immune. The 2021 winter storm, termed “Snow-mageddon,” brought our state to its knees, exposed vulnerabilities in our infrastructure, and left millions without power. Even more, in 2022, Texas saw a staggering 279 heat-related deaths—the highest in over two decades.1 In 2023, the world had its warmest year on record,2 and in the US, Texas stood alone as the state with the greatest number of counties experiencing extended periods of abnormally high heat, as shown by the map above.3 In other words, global warming isn't a distant threat; it's hitting home hard. We can't afford to ignore the warning signs any longer. The time for action is now. However, it's not all doom and gloom. The climate crisis presents unprecedented opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and leadership. As students and stakeholders of the University of Texas System, we have the power to drive meaningful change. By harnessing our collective creativity and passion, we can pave the way for a more sustainable, resilient future. An important, yet often overlooked, aspect of our university system's operations is the Permanent University Fund (PUF). Established in the Texas Constitution of 1876, the PUF is a public endowment designed to financially support eligible institutions within The University of Texas and The Texas A&M University Systems. Since March 1996, oversight of this fund has been under the purview of the University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Management Company (UTIMCO). Income generated by the PUF stems from the management of 2.1 million acres spread across 19 counties in West Texas, with 1.3 million acres leased for fossil fuel extraction.4 The entity that serves as the fiduciary steward of these 2.1 million acres is University Lands.5 Between 2018 and 2022, on-campus carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions amounted to 1.6 million metric tons, whereas off-campus university lands contributed 32.6 million metric tons. This surpasses on-campus emissions by over 20 times.6 The emissions released over this four-year period on university lands alone are equivalent to 3.67 billion gallons of gasoline consumed.7 According to UTIMCO’s official website, the “UT System Board of Regents’ mission is to maximize the revenue of the PUF Lands by applying intensive management, accounting, conservation, and environmental programs, which improve and sustain productivity, protect their interests and promote awareness and sensitivity for the environment.”8 Furthermore, the University Lands official website says that they “[strive] to be the best land management organization in the country [by] providing prudent stewardship aimed at protecting the environment while earning the best possible return on investment.”9 While it's commendable that UTIMCO and University Lands have incorporated measures to prioritize environmental protection, a striking contradiction emerges when we examine the substantial revenue generated from leasing land for fossil fuel extraction within the PUF. This heavy dependence on fossil fuels starkly undermines any authentic dedication to environmental awareness, protection, and sensitivity. We need bold, decisive measures to mitigate our carbon footprint, transition to renewable energy sources, and embrace alternative investments that are financially productive and better aligned with the sentiments of environmental protection that are established in the Board of Regents’ and University Land’s mission statements. By divesting from fossil fuels and gradually accelerating renewable energy projects, we can lead by example and set the standard for climate leadership. Let's unite, raise our voices, and demand the change we want to see. In the face of the climate emergency, complacency is not an option—we must act now. 1. https://www.texastribune.org/2023/01/26/texas-heat-deaths-migrants-climate-change/#:~:text=In%20Texas%2C%202022%20saw%20the,historically%20hot%20and%20dry%20summer. 2. https://www.noaa.gov/news/2023-was-worlds-warmest-year-on-record-by-far#:~:text=It's%20official%3A%202023%20was%20the,a%20record%20low%20in%202023. 3. https://www.hhs.gov/climate-change-health-equity-environmental-justice/climate-change-health-equity/climate-health-outlook/extreme-heat/index.html 4. https://www.utimco.org/funds-managed/endowment-funds/permanent-university-fund-puf/ 5. https://universitylands.utsystem.edu/Home/AboutUs 6. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/universities-oil-climate-change/ 7. https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gases-equivalencies-calculator-calculations-and-references#houseenergy 8. https://www.utimco.org/funds-managed/endowment-funds/permanent-university-fund-puf/ 9.https://universitylands.utsystem.edu/Home/AboutUs",
"url": "https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/ut-climate-action-petition"
}