Minnesota Conservation Improvement Program
We the UMN Energy Club commend the University of Minnesota’s decision to withdraw their petition to withdraw from the State of Minnesota’s Conservation Improvement Program (CIP). We are also proud of all the internal efforts the University has made in efficiency improvements, investments in solar generation, and environmental research. As the largest public educational institution in the State of Minnesota, the University has an opportunity and an obligation to serve the public interest and set high expectations for itself. Participating in the CIP aligns with those values by maintaining a public good of funding for energy efficiency for all Minnesotans, including those who are most vulnerable. We recognize that students are drawn to the University of Minnesota because of their public efforts to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, and that participation in the CIP ensures the continued recruitment of students who are conscious of environmental justice issues. We also recognize that the issue of student debt is caused by larger systemic factors, and is not an impediment to energy conservation. As students studying energy issues at the University of Minnesota, we will continue to assert our role as stakeholders in the University’s energy system, and environmental stewardship. We would like to see an increased space for dialogue between all relevant stakeholders of the University’s participation in the state’s energy system. We support the University of Minnesota signing on to the “We Are Still In” climate change declaration. |