An Electrifying Development

On April 7, the Massachusetts General Court passed a resolution demanding a drastic reconfiguration of the nation’s current energy policy. The plan calls for replacing traditional electrical generation—which produces environmentally harmful byproducts such as carbon dioxide emissions—with a system that would rely only on 100 percent clean electricity. In light of the dangers that our planet faces in the immediate and distant future, the Mass. General Court’s decision is a wise choice that signifies a keen awareness of the importance of energy policy.

The plan is notable for containing a set of specific date targets and an organized timeline that lead to completely clean electricity in only 10 years. While the plan is ambitious, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and President Obama should consider adopting the resolution at the federal level, assuming it passes in the Massachusetts House. It is encouraging that the “green movement” has risen to a position of necessary prominence in public discourse, and we are proud that Massachusetts (and Boston in particular) has taken a lead in expanding the national awareness on these crucial issues.

But perhaps the most interesting thing about the environmental resolution that the Mass. General Court passed last week is that it was the brainchild of a student organization—Massachusetts Power Shift (MAPS). To see students participating in legislation and enacting real change—particularly for the environment—is impressive given the dauntingly bureaucratic process it requires. And, even better, Harvard students played an important role in these proceedings. The Harvard College Environmental Action Committee was actively involved in the MAPS group that worked with legislative officials to make the April 7 resolution a reality.

We hope that the university follows the students’ example and continues to prioritize green causes. As an appropriate conclusion to an environmentally conscious year, Secretary Chu’s selection as Commencement speaker will reinforce the Harvard community’s efforts in building awareness about climate change, alternative energy, and the environment in general. While Chu may not have the celebrity aura of Commencement speakers of years past, he will undeniably reiterate to Harvard students the importance of active participation in what is perhaps the most important problem the world faces today. The current efforts of Harvard’s EAC and of students in the consortium of colleges and youth organizations that comprises MAPS are truly exemplary, but their ultimate success rests on others taking the same initiative to bring change in whatever ways they can.

Chu’s address, and, we hope, the future efforts of this community, will do much to encourage the continued involvement of young people in the issues that will, quite literally, shape their world.