As students, from colleges and universities across the country we are 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 fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy, starting at America’s colleges and universities. For the higher education community to lead, we need commitment to meeting all of our energy needs with abundant, pollution-free renewable energy by no later than 2050.

Fortunately, there are great prospects for a major shift to clean and abundant renewable energy. Clean energy and energy efficient technologies are growing fast and getting cheaper, making them more accessible. In the past 10 years, the U.S. has seen a 43-fold increase in solar power and a seven-fold increase in wind power; while the average American now uses 10 percent less energy.

A growing number of cities, states, corporations and institutions are setting their sights on 100 percent renewable energy targets. Scores of cities, from San Diego, to Georgetown, TX, to Atlanta, have set 100 percent renewable energy targets. Nearly 100 major companies, including Apple, Walmart and Johnson & Johnson have established similar goals. Hawaii has a law requiring 100 percent renewable electricity by 2045 and many states are now considering it.

Colleges and university can make a big difference. They are significant users of energy - serving more than 20 million students and spending more than $15 billion per year on energy - so our commitment to clean energy can drive big investments in solutions. At the same time, as influential institutions, our actions can set an example in hundreds of communities across America; while training the scientists, engineers, policymakers and civic leaders we need to move the nation toward sustainability.

In order to achieve our commitments to reducing pollution and to ensure a transition to a future powered by clean, renewable energy, we call on leaders in the higher education community to:

Make a clear commitment to achieve 100 percent renewable energy for all operations no later than 2050.
Set a benchmark of achieving 100 percent renewable electricity no later than 2035.

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.