Current Policy Priorities
2010 Policy Priorities
Other Important Opportunities
Secure $25 million in FY 2011 for the University Sustainability Program
Background: As part of amendments made to the Higher Education Act in 2008 (PL 110-315), Congress authorized the University Sustainability Program (USP) at the Department of Education. Once funded, USP will offer competitive grants of up to $2 million to higher education institutions and associations for development, implementation and evaluation of sustainability curricula, practices, and academic programs. The statutory language authorizing USP grants is here.
Status: In the FY2010 appropriations process, the House designated USP as an “invitational priority” under the Fund for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education (FIPSE), which is a small step in the right direction.
Strategy:
Lobby Congress to appropriate at least $25 for USP in the FY 2011, and encourage higher education associations to actively work for this funding. See the March, 2010 action alert here.
Ensure that climate goals and performance measures guide federal transportation policy
Background: Although the surface transport sector accounts for about 23% of greenhouse gas emissions, Congress historically has not taken climate and energy considerations seriously into account in setting priorities for funding federal transportation programs.
Status: Congress is working to reauthorize federal transportation programs, which will determine how nearly $500 billion will be invested in transportation over the next five years. Congress is also considering action on climate and energy legislation, which will “put a price on carbon,” including energy used in transportation.
Strategy: In early 2010, Second Nature created a National Transportation Policy Task Force of 15 college and university presidents, representing a wide range of institutions. On May 11, 2010, the Task Force called on Congress and the Obama Administration to overhaul transportation policy to make reducing greenhouse gas emissions a top priority. With Task Force Co-Chairs, George Dennison of The University of Montana and Judith Ramaley of Winona State University, Second Nature is working to leverage the Task Force recommendations and to engage other higher education leaders to elevate the national dialogue about transportation policy. To
join the growing number of college and university presidents who endorse these recommendations, contact Ulli Klein.
Increase federal funding for environmental and climate literacy to build the American people’s understanding of the connection between energy, the environment and our economy
Background: Historically, environmental education has been consistently underfunded across the board and at all levels of education. As a result, many of the American people lack an appreciation for the connection between energy, the environment, our economy, and our quality of life.
Strategy: Work with the Campaign for Environmental Literacy to secure increased appropriations for FY 2011 for environmental and climate education in EPA, NASA, NOAA, NSF, USGS.
Dedicate 1% of federal climate legislation’s emissions allowances to education at all levels to prepare the American people for a clean-energy economy through federal climate legislation
Background: Senator Murray has drafted an amendment to the Senate Climate legislation that would dedicate 1% of emissions allowances for an Education for a Green Economy Fund. More than 150 college and university presidents have joined together to urge the Senate to dedicate 1% of emissions allowance proceeds for education all levels to help the American people make well-informed decisions as consumers, workers, business owners, and investors.
Status: The House has passed its climate bill, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES), and legislation has been introduced in the Senate. Because of delays in passing health reform legislation, the Senate is scheduled to consider climate legislation early in 2010.
Strategy: Urge the Senate to recognize the vital role of education in transitioning to a clean-energy economy by dedicating 1% of emissions allowances to the Education for a Green Economy Fund. |
