The Observer, February 22, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 18
Letters to the Editor: Students should speak out about drilling
To the students of CWRU:
You are all aware of the scientific consensus that has emerged suggesting that we are endangering the climate of our planet by generating large quantities of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. You are probably also aware that CWRU has made significant efforts, through recycling, energy conservation, and research, to reduce its carbon footprint. Many of you have been at the forefront of encouraging the university to take these steps, and have actively participated in this effort. We can be proud that the university has recently joined the Great Lakes Institute for Energy Innovation, which is working to explore alternative, environmentally responsible energy sources.
Unfortunately, as The Observer pointed out in last week's article and editorial, the university is considering a very serious decision that undoes all of this hard work. Please let President Snyder and other administrators know that the proposal to drill for gas on Squire Valleevue Farm is shortsighted and seriously mistaken. It will lead to irreversible environmental degradation, will badly damage a beautiful natural site used by the university for research, teaching, and recreation, and will greatly increase the university's carbon footprint, undoing all of the university's other efforts to be environmentally responsible. The relatively small financial benefits to the university are outweighed by these serious long-term costs.
If you raise this issue through the Undergraduate Student Government as well as other student groups and politely, respectfully, but firmly let members of the administration know that they are about to make a terrible mistake, I am confident your voices will be heard. I know how busy each of you is at this time of year with midterms and classes, but this is a decision about your own backyard that you can affect by your actions.
Don't stand idly by and allow this to happen.
Thank you for your concern for the well being of our university and our environment!
Hillel J. Chiel, Ph.D.
Professor
