Spartans Repowering America seeks senatorial attention

Although Cletissa Hogue’s personal stance on clean energy efforts remains uncertain, Hogue said the key to becoming a leading energy-conscious country remains in gaining independence.

Hogue, a political theory and constitutional democracy and social relations sophomore, recorded a video testimony on Friday afternoon at the rock on Farm Lane, as students from Spartans Repowering America collected letters in an effort to encourage senators to support clean-energy legislation.

“As America, we claim to be No. 1,” Hogue said. “We need to hold up to that claim in this aspect as well.”

On Wednesday night, students from Spartans Repowering America, the MSU chapter of the national organization Repower America, painted the rock on Farm Lane in an effort to promote a larger interest in their cause. Overall, the group collected more than 100 letters and several video testimonies from students.

Liz Starke, an international relations and comparative cultures and politics sophomore, said she was pleased with the turnout, taking the unfavorable weather into account.

“I think it went well,” Starke said. “Students seemed interested.”

Some of the goals of Repower America include creating a green economy, bringing jobs to Michigan, ending dependency on foreign oil, increasing national security and creating a clean environment for future generations, Starke said.

“I think it’s important for students to have the opportunity to communicate with senators,” Starke said. “Clean energy is important for our future and anything we can do to be a part of our government is important.”

The letters and video testimonies collected will be sent to Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich. James Madison freshman Josie Bradley said she thinks students stand a better chance of being heard and taken more seriously by the senators.

“I definitely feel that by turning in these letters, making calls and the videos will make an impact and they will hear our voices,” Bradley said. “As our constituents, they have a responsibility to listen to us.”