Media Credit: photos courtesy of R-N NJPIRG
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Media Credit: photos courtesy of R-N NJPIRG
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Media Credit: photos courtesy of R-N NJPIR
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The
New Jersey Public Interest Research Group of Rutgers-Newark were proud
to represent the university during their recent trip to the nation's
capital.
There were approximately 12,000 students from across the country who
gathered together for the Power Shift conference in Washington D.C. to
be educated about issues concerning climate change. Students attended a
variety of lectures, workshops, and panel discussions.
The goal of the conference was to put pressure on elected officials to
do several things: support future bills and legislations that will help
benefit and clean up the environment and work to achieve the status of
Global Warming Champions in order to attain greater influence on
passing more Global Warming Solutions Bills.
NJPIRG members also discussed alternative energy ideas, including ceasing the use of oil or coal.
The R-N chapter wanted to have the ability to improve the environment
and by revealing the intensity of their beliefs in D.C., they got to
voice their opinions and beliefs with powerful optimism, according to
Rohini Chandra, political science major and leader of NJPIRG's Global
Solutions Campaign.
Chandra reminisced of a sudden rally that formed of over 300 people in front of the White House at 12 am.
They marched and cheered in unison to express their dedication to the environment.
"Although it may have been ineffective towards our goal of creating
Global Warming Solutions legislation, the demonstration presented our
solidarity and identity as a new social, political, and environmental
movement," said Chandra.
She went on to describe another demonstration when 3,000 people
disregarded the cold weather and snow to cheer for the effects of a
healthier, green life.
"It was magnificent," said Chandra enthusiastically.
Guests including members of Congress Donna Edwards and Ed Markey,
environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and EPA administrator Lisa P.
Jackson gave students an update of the progress of changing the
environment.
"Our campus can be involved in this issue regardless of experience and
background," said Chandra, who strongly urged anyone to be forceful
towards a healthy atmosphere and a cleaner earth, that everyone can
make an impact.
Future events that the R-N chapter of NJPIRG will be holding are a
river cleanup, a recycling project, and a discussion panel and debate
about Global Warming Solutions between a group of speakers.
Along with more awareness events and educational demonstrations, NJPIRG
is still waiting to see if Senator Menendez will be coming to campus
after receiving the petition a few months ago.
According to Chandra, NJPIRG is working hard towards benefiting the
earth and creating a more "green future;" the Power Shift conference
was just the beginning.
