CampusNews Campus
UW-L’s coal heating plant back in hot seat By Gretchen Zishka Senate Reporter
UW-La Crosse’s on-campus coal plant located near Cartwright Center and Mitchell Hall has been a source of controversy for years. A rally was held last spring and another is planned for later this semester. Walking around campus or student neighborhoods, the yellow-and-black “No More Coal” signs are a common sight. With this input from constituents in mind, the Student Senate voted 23-5 to ask newly-elected Wisconsin governor Scott Walker and his administration to look into coal alternatives. While it’s true that conversion of the coal plant is part of UW-L’s long-term growth and building plan, in the face of budget cuts and the new construction projects, switching to a cleaner fuel has taken a backseat. Asking the Walker administration for help in exploring other fuels or changes might be a way to speed up the plans and create a cleaner campus. The primary alternative to coal that the Senate suggested was biomass, which is defined in the dictionary as “organic matter, especially plant matter, that can be converted to fuel and is regarded as a potential energy source.” Advantages of this energy source are that it is entirely renewable and cleaner than coal. Even clean coal creates more emissions than any other energy source. It is also easier and cheaper to convert a coal plant to biomass than to other energy sources, according to the Student Senate. Finally, conversion to biomass can happen more quickly than conversion to other sources.
One problem with using biomass rather than coal is the cost of converting the plant from coal-burning to biomass-burning. It could take up to $50 million for UW-L to make the necessary changes. The Senate’s message to the Walker administration discusses the environmental problems caused by burning coal on campus, providing emissions data from 2007, the last time the plant was cleaned. It reasons that because of the negative impact of coal, changes need to be explored and made, preferably sooner than later. There seems to be interest in this resolution outside of the Senate chamber as well. Two-hundred UW-L student signatures were collected in favor of it within one week, and plans to convert UW-Madison’s plant are in the works. Many students seem to share the opinion of Jennifer Feyerherm, the director of Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Campaign, that “coal is a dirty, outdated way to be powering our campuses.”
IN OTHER BUSINESS Other issues discussed by Student Senate › Upcoming “Reflections of Ebony” event (to be held Feb. 27). › Forums on UW-L’s campus smoking policy delayed by one week. › “Multicultural Day” to take place Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Valhalla
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Learning from other campuses RHAC Leadership Committee plans ‘Deep South’ campus tour over spring break By Clara Johnson RHAC Reporter
With community service based trips becoming popular among college campuses, many students are looking for a way to get involved over spring break. UW-La Crosse’s Leadership Development Committee is sponsoring a spring break leadership tour heading to New Orleans from March 11 - 20. The cost for the trip is $425 and includes most food and snacks, bus transportation, a shirt and housing. “Students will learn leadership skills and have the opportunity to volunteer as well as learn fresh and innovative ideas for UW-L students to continue their community involvement,” Leadership Development Committee member Hannah Mixford said. The Deep South Word of Mouf Tour plans on visiting campuses in St. Louis, Mo., Nashville, Tenn., Starkville, Miss., New Orleans, La., Birmingham, Ala., Bowling Green, Ky. and Chicago, Ill. Students will spend one day in each city except New Orleans, which has a two day agenda. A typical scheduled day on tour includes visiting the college campuses during the day. At the campuses, students will learn about the different community service opportunities on that campus and perform community service projects in the communities they visit. They will then
With this week being “Random Act of Kindness Week”, what random act of kindness would you demonstrate? I would teach someone a new skill, like a sport or instrument.” -Molly Haferman, Sophomore
If it snowed, I’d brush snow off of people’s cars so it doesn’t freeze.” -Tate Randall, Junior
I would hang out with underprivileged kids.” -Jenni Kobac, Freshman
The multi-city leadership tour includes stops in Chicago, Nashville, Birmingham, Bowling Green, and Starkville en route to New Orleans. explore the city during the evening hours followed by a four to five hour ride to their next destination city. “This trip is for any student on or off campus who wishes to continue their involvement with UW-L and with the La Crosse community," Mixford said, “Any student who attends will learn useful leadership and community service skills that are applicable to many organizations, including RHAC. The knowledge and sharing of ideas with other residence life programs will give all participants the chance to diversify their understanding of service projects." Mixford feels this once in a lifetime experience is one that will help both the individuals, campus life and the La Crosse community by diversifying the community service programs that are implemented on campus. The program is able to take a maximum of 50 students interested in experiencing different campus culture and growing as leaders through service. Any student interested can apply on the trip’s Web site at http://web. me.com/simplyevan/ or contact Reuter Hall Director Jason Bertrand at 608-789-8087 or bertrand.jaso@uwlax.edu.
w w w. t h e r a c q u e t. n e t
Thursday, February 17, 2011
All St r Lanes Mondays @ 6pm
I’d write encouraging notes and leave them in random places.”
Buck Nights
$1 Games, Shoes, Beer, Burgers, and Fries
-Alli Kocik, Freshman
I’d jumpstart someone’s car.” -Bill Emery, Junior
Fridays @ 9pm
Karaoke
Thursdays
Import Night $2 Import Beers, 25 cent wings, 3 Games for $5 shoes included
Now Hiring Bartenders - Call Daron at 608-788-7827