by Jeremy Hunt
Daily Lobo
The student chapter of NMPIRG is gathering valentines to send to Gov. Bill Richardson in support of proposed legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The valentines aim to encourage Richardson to sign an executive order that would require public buildings to get 30 percent of their energy from renewable sources, such as solar and wind power.
Vicky Scheidler, co-director of PIRG's student chapter, said the valentines are part of the Campus Climate Challenge, a national campaign to raise awareness about global warming.
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PIRG is handing out pink hearts for students to write messages to
Richardson, which the group plans to send to him. Scheidler said the group got 155 valentines Monday.
PIRG will be in the SUB Atrium the rest of the week from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. collecting valentines. There will be a panel discussion with environmental experts Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the SUB Ballroom A.
Sarah Coffey, activities coordinator for the Campus Climate Challenge, said PIRG's goal is to raise awareness about global warming.
"It's our week of action to get people educated," she said. "If they don't know about it, they're not going to care."
Coffey said getting universities involved is the first step to addressing global warming. Historically, college campuses have led the way for social change, she said.
"If we make a movement to correct it, other people tend to follow," she said.
Student Damion Cruzz wrote a valentine for Richardson. He said he wrote, "Please, don't kill my kids."
"Most experts agree the world is getting warmer, and in 30 years, there'll be irreversible effects," he said. "I don't think people realize how bad global warming can be and how bad it is already."
Student Alexa Roderick didn't fill out a valentine. Roderick said she doesn't take the time to listen to all the people on campus vying for her attention.
"There's so many people on campus that want to talk about political stuff," she said. "I don't like to discuss politics with strangers."
Coffey said simple lifestyle changes can reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, including taking shorter showers, recycling and using public transportation. Students should also contact their representative and voice their concern, she said.
Coffey said that global warming has already caused catastrophes, including Hurricane Katrina, and something needs to be done.
"It affects all of us whether we realize it or not," she said. "We need to step up and do something about it."
