Governor Bob McDonnell's speech in Prof. Larry Sabato's politics class ("McDonnell responds to student concerns in Sabato class lecture ," March 18) underlines the pressing challenge posed by American reliance on fossil fuels and the valuable opportunities presented by the adoption of legislation that will promote the growth of renewable energy and other green technologies. The governor himself discussed the potential of implementing technologies ranging from solar to offshore wind energy.
In a time of economic strife, support for clean energy and 'green' businesses becomes an ever more pertinent issue. Virginia and the nation as a whole stand to benefit from the economic affects of growth in green technology. The demand for efficient and environmentally friendly products is growing, as is the demand for environmentally sustainable energy. As the government seeks to promote job creation they should support and foster growth in these fields. As has been shown by the growth in this sector in foreign countries, if the U.S. is unwilling to support these industries, production and the jobs may move abroad. Applied Materials, one of the leading American solar equipment makers, is opening the world's largest privately funded solar research facility in Xian, China.
Additionally, American reliance on foreign oil is an undeniable threat to national security. Many of the countries with the largest oil reserves are either ambivalent or decidedly hostile to American interests. In terms of national security, it makes sense to pursue green energy as a viable alternative.
Despite being members of a notoriously politically apathetic age demographic, university students have a great deal at stake in terms of the passage of comprehensive climate legislation. Legislation that supports investments in green energy and green technology will continue to provide benefits to our generation for years to come. I urge my fellow students to contact senators, congresspersons, state representatives, and the governor and implore them to support this legislation.\n\nLauren Groskaufmanis\nCLAS I
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