The president gave his State of the Union Address during a difficult time in his presidency, with a growing economic deficit, an electoral defeat in Massachusetts, and an escalation in Afghanistan. Therefore, I was extremely glad when he announced his desire to sign off on climate change legislation that would not only protect our environment, but also provide crucial jobs in our country. As a first-year at the University, I encounter many international students who are nothing but optimistic about their respective country’s environmental future; a student from China recently expressed pride at her nation’s efforts to lead the world in renewable energies. However, I could only wonder if climate change legislation would even pass the Senate. Congressman Tom Perriello has already voted to support clean energy legislation, and I urge Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner to do the same.

Myong Choi

CLAS I