This was one of four debates held during the USSU’s Green Yourself Week. The other four can be accessed here.

NINA LEE
News Writer

The solar energy debate proposed that government mandate the use of solar powered water heating. Though they questioned the effectiveness of solar power in practice, the proposition team argued that the solar energy race is something the government should be involved in.

“By starting small we can encourage growth and attention to green technology and increase individuals’ self-interest in adopting further green technology. Furthermore, we would increase the environmental benefits,” said UDS member Justin Buhler.

The opposition argued that a mandate would be ineffective since the majority of a household’s energy costs do not go to heating water. Also, such a mandate could possibly deter people from partaking in other sustainable efforts such as public transportation, recycling and buying hybrid cars.

As our government typically uses incentive programs to move and motivate the population, it was difficult to imagine the implementation of the proposal. Nonetheless both sides provided food for thought on the topic of government involvement in the promotion of solar energy.