Official HEIP logo

Humboldt Energy Independence Program (HEIP) is an association of students and faculty at Humboldt State University, California, working towards the shared goal of attaining energy independence at HSU while providing unique educational opportunities for students. Energy independence refers to total elimination of the practice of importing energy from external energy suppliers. HEIP is as a student directed program designed to orchestrate open communication networks between students, faculty, staff, campus/local governments, and other appropriate bodies.

The Fund

Energy independence would be achieved through the implementation of a student fee, which would generate a pool of money called the Humboldt Energy Independence Fund (HEIF). By instating a fee of $10 per student per semester the HEIF would allocate approximately $160,000 per year to energy conservation/generation projects on campus.

The HEIF is a holistic approach to addressing a number of campus concerns including: rising energy costs, degree of HSU’s environmental footprint, lack of hands-on energy education opportunities, and enrollment rates.

Proponents of the HEIF believe it will:

  • Increase energy conservation on the HSU campus thereby decreasing campus electricity costs by up to $800,000 per year.
  • Establish HSU as a national leader in campus sustainability thereby stimulating enrollment rates and elevating university prestige.
  • Create a unique example of a student-integrated campus energy policy that other universities can use as a guide.
  • Provide unique educational opportunities for HSU students in various disciplines including but not limited to: Environmental Resources Engineering, Industrial Technology, Environmental Science, and Appropriate Technology.
  • Establish HSU’s commitment to environmental responsibility as a cornerstone in both academic curriculum and campus infrastructure development.

History

The HEIF received an 86% approval rate by HSU students in the spring 2004 Associated Students elections; however, it was overridden at the state level by CSU Chancellor Charles Reed on the basis that no new fees were to be instated at that time. HEIP's lobbying efforts finally paid off in February of 2007 when President Rollin Richmond announced his plan to fund the HEIF through an increase in the Instructional Related Activities Fee as early as Fall 2007.

Current Activity

HEIP is currently developing the groundwork necessary for the HEIF's upcoming implementation. HEIP is also preparing for the 2007 Sustainable Living Arts & Music Festival (SLAMFest). HEIP's SLAM activities will include skits, information sharing, volunteer recruitment, and more.

Participation

Weekly HEIP meetings are open to the public every Monday 5pm-6pm in Nelson Hall East 113 at Humboldt State University. HEIP is also currently seeking applicants for two paid Co-Director positions. Send resume and cover letter to heip@humboldt.edu.

Support

The HEIF has been officially endorsed by the HSU Associated Students and HSU President Rollin Richmond.

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