Coal is dirty, dangerous and outdated. It pollutes our air and water. College students and community members who live near campus coal plants shouldn't have to breathe dirty air. Coal is also a leading contributor to climate change. The University of Iowa can do better by investing in 21st century clean energy solutions today.

Universities have consistently been the vanguard of solving the biggest challenges facing our nation. With the problem of dirty, dangerous coal, universities once again have a critical role to play creating and calling for new and innovative solutions. Coal is the single most destructive industrial process that we use as a country on a daily basis because it contributes to air and water pollution. Even more importantly, coal is a leading cause of some of the most terrible health issues we face in this country. These health issues include asthma attacks, cancer, and birth defects. The goal of the University of Iowa Sierra Student Coalition Beyond Coal Campaign is to transition the UI to a coal-free campus. We want President Mason to make a commitment to stop burning coal by 2020 and start investing in renewable energy today.