America’s colleges and universities are significant users of energy and influential institutions in their communities. Action by the University of South Florida and other colleges and universities in Florida to move towards a clean, renewable future will set an example for the rest of the nation.

We are encouraged by the Patel College of 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. To meet those goals, we urge a strong commitment to a steady transition away from fossil fuels.  

In order to build on the progress that has been made and ensure that we transition to a clean and renewable future, we urge you to put the University of South Florida on a path to powering all operations with clean, renewable energy by no later than 2040 and for all electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030.