Concerned for the environment, Austin Peay Students and Dr. Joseph Schiller began working to create SOARE
in February 2005. Six months later, the group became an official organization. SOARE students seek to advance
renewable energy on campus, in the community, and the region. SOARE believes renewable energy will reduce
pollution, including greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy and national security, and create jobs and
economic opportunities. To kick off the group’s efforts, Schiller proposed a film festival on
mountaintop-removal mining. SOARE students decided to move forward with “Mountaintop: Removing the Land and
the People.” To prove mountaintop-removal mining is not only an environmental issue, but also a political,
cultural and social justice issue, SOARE involved artists, musicians, writers, environmental activists and
filmmakers in the festival, looking first to APSU’s talent.
Formed in Fall 2005, SOARE works to educate the public about the benefits of renewable energy and the
environmental damages caused by traditional fossil fuel energy sources such as coal obtained by
mountaintop-removal coal mining, which involves blasting tops off mountains and dumping spoils into valleys.
During Spring 2006, SOARE completed a
survey of student knowledge about,
and support of, renewable energy. Findings revealed strong support for renewable energy and a willingness to
contribute financially – information that will support a request for a student fee used to purchase
“green” power and implement renewable energy on campus.
Senator Deanna Hensley introduced senate bill 1, the “renewable energy initiative,” that gives students the
opportunity to vote for a $10.00 student renewable energy fee that will enable APSU to purchase renewable energy.
SOARE continues to seek members from all campus disciplines. Contact SOARE President Jessica Cameron if you would
like to join us.
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