I was happy to read the article MSC smokestack to be dismantled, bricks salvaged (SN 3/21). Although the smokestack is a link to MSU’s rich history, it also represents our past and present dependence on dirty coal.
Coal is an extremely outdated form of energy, and an old smokestack should not be symbolic of a university that prides itself on being “Spartan Green.”
Universities should be leaders in technological innovation and sustainability, creating the models for a green society. As members of the pioneer land-grant university — with a strong history of innovation — we should be investing in the future, not tying ourselves to the past.
This starts with getting rid of the deteriorating, out-of-commission smokestack. We should be investing in clean, renewable energy to power our campus and align with our university’s values of global leadership in innovation.
It is extremely encouraging that MSU has begun to look into solutions for making the transition off of coal by forming an energy transition steering committee.
MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon and the steering committee should work to come up with an aggressive time line for transitioning off coal.
An opportunity to learn more about real, tangible solutions for our dependence on dirty energy is happening 6:30 p.m. Thursday at a Clean Energy Forum in Room 105 South Kedzie Hall.
Panelists will be discussing ways MSU can begin to use clean energy to power its campus.
Hopefully in the future — and once the smokestack is torn down — MSU will be recognized as an innovator in clean energy instead of home to the largest on-campus coal plant in the country.
Maybe, just maybe, a windmill will become the iconic image on campus.
Eric Price, supply chain management sophomore and media coordinator for MSU Beyond Coal
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
