| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 58.26 |
| Liaison | Caitlin McLennan |
| Submission Date | Oct. 10, 2022 |
Utah State University
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.67 / 2.00 |
Jennifer
Seelig Director of Community Partnerships Institute of Government and Politics |
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:
USU provides training for local elected officials surrounding issues related to land, water, and air. For example, at the Utah League of Cities and Towns Conference this year, USU provided a training on drought and strategies local government entities could take regarding water use. In addition, the Utah League of Cities and Towns as well as the Utah Association of Counties both serve on the External Advisory Board for USU's Institute of Land, Water, and Air; sustainability issue are part of the ongoing discussion and research planning.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:
Representatives from Utah State University work with the state legislature on a variety of issues each year. This administrators and the director of community partnerships or government relations. Recent legislation supported by the university and related to sustainability are as follows:
Zero-Emission Transit Train Research: Legislative leadership approached USU about leading this important project and was awarded an $18 million grant to engage research and engineering at USU and with other partners to develop this battery-electric technology in a way that can be scaled to bring public benefit for transportation and air quality. This exciting project will additionally benefit USU students and bring the manufacturing technology and jobs to Utah. https://le.utah.gov/~2022/bills/hbillamd/HB0003.pdf (lines 2413-2423)
Strategic Innovation Grant Pilot Program: Representative Spendlove's HB 326 creates this important program within the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity for awarding grants to businesses that implement projects to address air quality or water conservation. Eligible businesses must include performance measures. The bill designates Utah State University's Institute of Land, Water, and Air as certified to provide qualifying analysis. This is an example of USU's reputation and contribution as a statewide thought leader in air quality and water conservation efforts. Link to full bill: https://le.utah.gov/~2022/bills/static/HB0326.html
Food Security Council (SB 133): Senator Escamilla's bill addresses food security in the state and appropriates $75,000 in ongoing funding to provide staff support to the Food Security Council at Utah State University to coordinate state efforts. Link to full bill: https://le.utah.gov/~2022/bills/static/SB0133.html
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:
USU has been involved in promoting and researching electrification of roads, rail, commercial, and passenger vehicles vis-a-vis ASPIRE's research. https://www.usu.edu/today/story/aspire-engineering-research-center-and-electreon-to-launch-electrified-roadway-demo-in-utah
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:
A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.