Green Goblins Host Clean Energy Expert on Campus
On Thursday, Feb. 27, the Green Goblins environmental club hosted a special guest speaker in Upper School Chapel. John Hall, associate vice president and Texas state director for clean energy at the Environmental Defense Fund, discussed a range of environmental issues. Green Goblins co-president Matthew Kim introduced Hall, followed by a Q&A with the clean energy expert that was moderated by Kate Goodman and Leila Tilin, club co-presidents.
Hall noted that competitive electric markets are driving positive change throughout Texas, despite the fact that the state’s public policy and regulatory environment have not yet embraced a move away from natural gas and coal to alternative energy sources. He said that several cities, including Houston and Dallas, recently have negotiated with alternative energy providers to significantly reduce the cost of electricity to their residents. He also stated that in addition to offering the most cost-effective solutions, many of these alternative energy sources are emissions-free, use no water and create new jobs.
Hall offered advice to students about steps they can take to conserve energy, reduce CO2 emissions and affect change in the world around them. This included everything from recycling, turning off lights when they are not being used and adjusting thermostat settings by a couple of degrees, to influencing their parents to use rooftop solar panels and electric automobiles. Most importantly, he said, when students turn 18, they can exercise their political power by voting.
Address: 6500 St. Stephen's Dr., Austin, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 327-1213
Phone: (512) 327-1213