Sierra Student Coalition lobbies UNC to divest from coal-related businesses

The Sierra Student Coalition doesn’t want UNC to use coal — or fund it.

At an interest meeting Tuesday, the group enlisted students to join its campaign to get UNC to divest from coal-related businesses.

The group, which lobbied the University heavily to stop coal usage in 2009 and 2010, views UNC’s decision to go coal-free by 2020 instead of 2050 as a victory. Members said they anticipate a battle over the call for divestiture, and look to win this one as well.

“The stage is set for success,” said Stewart Boss, the group’s co-chairman.

Boss said the group’s target is the UNC Endowment Fund’s energy portfolio, which he said is 8 percent of its overall investment. He estimated that half of the energy portfolio comes from coal-related properties.

“We’re looking at a paradigm shift,” he said, adding that he expects a future decline in the coal sector.

The group has a new coordinator for its campaign, Harry Alper, who was assigned to UNC by the national organization. The last time the group had an advisor from the national Sierra Club was during its campaign against coal usage at the cogeneration plant.

“There’s no better time to start our next campaign, when then University thinks we’ve forgotten about our first campaign,” he said.

Evan Johnson, a first-year graduate student in public policy, said he was drawn to the group because he studies energy issues.

He was impressed by the campaign’s buzz and said he was happy to see so much enthusiasm for an issue he researches.

“This event stood out as something to pay attention to,” he said.
The group plans to start campaigning with a rally today at the Ackland Art Museum because Board of Trustees members plan to eat dinner there after committee meetings at the Carolina Inn. The Sierra Student Coalition hopes to draw the board’s attention to the coalition’s presence on campus.

Tim Toben, chairman of the now-defunct Energy Task Force, spoke to students assembled at the meeting. He spoke briefly about the science of life and the significance of the work the students face.
“The work you’re about to embark on is the most important thing you’ll do in college,” he said.

He told the students to expect resistance from energy interests who oppose divestiture from coal.

“You’re in the middle of the stream,” he said. “This is not a game. This is not for play.”

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