The resolution calling for a referendum states that by creating a student fee for renewable energy, the University can fund projects such as developing solar energy on campus and purchasing alternative energy from outside sources such as N.C. GreenPower.
If the referendum passes in February, students will pay an additional $4 per semester. This price would amount to $192,000 per year. The fee would go into effect in 2004, and a similar referendum would be placed on the ballot every four years beginning in 2008 asking students to reapprove the fee and set its amount.
Members discussed the proposed bill and resolution at the Rules and Judiciary Committee of Student Congress meeting Nov. 5.
The Renewable Energy Special Project Committee, charged with creating and funding projects on campus that would encourage the use of renewable energy, would be made up of seven students appointed by the speaker of Congress, the student body president and the Graduate and Professional Student Federation president, along with nonvoting members of University administration.
At the moment, 67 percent of UNC's power comes from fossil fuel combustion and 32 percent comes from nuclear generation, according to proposed legislation. By implementing cleaner renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and small hydroelectric, the University would reduce pollution, as well as electricity costs, proponents said.
Carey Richter, chairwoman of the Student Affairs Committee of Student Congress, brought both pieces of legislation forward after a decision by the Student Environmental Action Coalition -- which, as a student group, would have needed 2,700 votes to place the referendum on the ballot -- to turn it over to Student Congress. SEAC members originally proposed and researched the issue and conducted a poll to see whether students would support a fee to pay for renewable energy.
"By going through Congress, it allows us to debate and discuss it more before going to the student body," Richter said. "Also, with a re-election every four years, we would be able to see if the money continues to be needed or not."
At the Nov. 5 meeting, some members questioned why students, not the administration, should have to carry the burden of paying the fee. But Richter said this type of legislation is not uncommon at universities across the nation.
"We would be following in the footsteps of other universities like the University of Colorado where students were passionate about the question of what power was coming into the environment," Richter said. "Students here are also concerned about this health issue and what power UNC uses."
