By Kevin Lavery, WKAR News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-954389.mp3
East Lansing, MI – MSU's co-generation plant burns 250,000 tons of coal each year to produce steam and electric power. The university says it recognizes the need to switch to cleaner, "next generation" fuels.
A faculty and student committee will meet Friday to start mapping out a long-term plan.
"It's really a money thing, and we need to ask the administration to make the investment for it," says Tabitha Skervin. She's president of MSU Greenpeace, which is represented on the committee.
"And we understand that there is going to be a transitional period, but we want to make sure that MSU makes that commitment to do so."
If MSU continues consuming energy at its current rate, officials project the co-generation plant will be unable to meet demand within 12 years.
The committee hopes to present a plan to the board of trustees in a year.