It’s time to move UGA beyond dirty coal. The coal plant on campus provides 42% of the heat that the entire campus uses. From the mine to the plant, to the ash pond, coal is our dirtiest energy source. In addition to spewing mercury, lead, and arsenic into our air, it spewed out 266 tons of sulfur dioxide in our sky in 2008, which causes acid rain. It causes asthma and other health problems, destroys our mountains, and releases toxic mercury into our communities. Continuing our dependence on coal chains us to dirty energy and prevents us from making the changes we need to bring about a clean, secure energy future.
We here at UGA can become a leader in forming that future. Schools all over the country are starting to say no to coal and we can join them. We want to show President Adams that the UGA community is united behind transitioning away from coal by 2013. Get in touch with us at ugabeyondcoal@gmail.com and look us up on facebook if you feel like getting involved.
UGA boasts of its landmarks in science, sports, and other branches of academics. Why is the university behind the times in caring for our planet? As an alumni, I hope to be proud of our university for stopping the use of coal for heating. Please help your future students, our children, have a safe planet to live and breath.