Lily Murnen, Environmental Service Club president, and Matthew Cunningham, Environmental
Action Group president, have responded to the university administration’s explanation of why Bowling Green Sate University will not participate in a city solar project by allowing the construction of a solar array on campus. See related story: http://bgindependentmedia.org/2016/03/08/bgsu-sheds-light-on-why-its-taking-a-pass-on-city-solar-project/
Dear President Mazey, Dr. Hennessy, and Dr. Meyer,
Thank you for explaining the University’s position concerning the city solar project. We
understand the concerns that BGSU has regarding the leasing of campus property, and we agree
that there is great potential for universityowned renewable projects on campus.
We are excited to see that within the past month there has been a convergence of many
different groups all advocating for the development of renewable energy on campus.
1. The Student Green Initiatives Committee has made clear that putting solar panels on
campus is one of their top priorities, and funding will be allocated for these kinds of
projects.
2. With the proper publicity through the University, the existence of the Clean Energy Fund
could provide additional funding for solar, wind, geothermal, and other campus energy
projects.
3. The Environmental Impact Assessment course (ENVS 4020) is undertaking an
environmental impact assessment of the potential for smallscale solar arrays around
campus. This assessment will include feasible locations for solar panels using
costbenefit analyses and accounting for many variables.
4. The many student organizations that signed on to our first and second letters to President
Mazey further support the development of solar and other clean energy initiatives as a top
priority.
5. The Renewable Energy Feasibility Study was a positive first step on the part of the
University to work toward the goals described in the Climate Action Plan. We look
forward to actual, tangible accomplishments that use the findings of this study.
We ask that the University continues pursuing renewable energy projects on campus and
that transparency is maintained between the administration, faculty, and students. Achieving the
goals described in the Climate Action Plan will require the cooperation of people at all levels to
create a culture of sustainability on campus. If the campus as a whole is informed and engaged,
then the likelihood of support from the campus community for sustainability initiatives will
increase drastically. We hope to establish a new norm for campus communication and an
understanding of the vital importance of campus sustainability initiatives. Thank you for
responding to our inquiry, and we look forward to future correspondence concerning
sustainability at BGSU.
Sincerely,
Lily Murnen (Environmental Service Club President) and Matthew Cunningham (Environmental
Action Group President)
