On April 27th, 2005, a new chapter in Tufts’ history was written. On that day, Tufts students voted overwhelmingly in favor of a referendum that asked the Trustees to increase undergraduate student fees by $20 annually to pay for wind power. Tufts students have made a strong statement about their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, and have stated unequivocally that they are willing to pay for it.

The referendum took place a week after the regular student elections because of a technical error, yet almost 40% of the undergraduate population voted (more than the 32% who voted in the regular election). Of those 40% who voted, an impressive 88% supported the referendum. Less than 10% voted against the referendum. The students gave the university a clear mandate that clean energy matters.

“This campaign was nearly a year in the making, but the end result made it worth it. I’m really amazed by the support we received,” said Jennifer Baldwin, A05, the leader of the campaign.

TCI will now work with university administrators to implement the fee. The most likely outcome will be that the university will purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs), but this decision will be made in consultation with students and the university administration.

Please join TCI in applauding the dedicated students who made this referendum happen and the active citizens who showed their support for clean energy. Their actions will have a long lasting impact on the Tufts community and is just another example of the leadership that Tufts is so well known for.

Congratulations!

Read: WIND ENERGY DEMAND BOOMING: Cost Dropping Below Conventional Sources Marks Key Milestone in U.S. Shift to Renewable Energy by Lester Brown (April 2006)