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I like to ride my bicycle

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Wednesday, November 14, 2007 12:28 a.m.

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With all the recent discussion about saving the environment, one state legislator practices what he preaches.

State Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, rides his bike seven miles each way to work at the Capitol and to meetings with his constituents 40 miles each way outside of Madison. He bought his first hybrid car six years ago, which he said is the most reliable vehicle he has ever owned.

Black, whose lifestyle is an example of his passion for the environment, said in a sit-down interview with The Badger Herald that global warming is a tremendous threat to our planet and stressed the importance of ensuring a clean, livable environment for the next generation.

"It is important legislators lead by example," Black said. "We should walk the walk, not just talk the talk — or in my case ride the ride."

Black has been working on environmental issues within the legislature and has introduced legislation to reduce greenhouse gases as part of the Wisconsin Safe Climate Act.

The Safe Climate Act, Black said, would reduce global warming pollution to 1990 levels by 2020 and provides the framework for more significant global warming emissions reduction in the future.

According to Black, the University of Wisconsin is better than it used to be with issues regarding the environment, adding that new buildings are designed to operate more efficiently.

In addition, Black said 20 percent of all state buildings, including ones at UW, are now required to use renewable sources.

"We are moving in the right direction," Black said. "There is now a greater emphasis on the environment."

Black has spoken with student organizations on campus, including the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group, which pushes environmental conservation.

"Activism among students is coming back with global warming," Black said. "Students are trying to be involved and are a tremendous force."

State Rep. Scott Suder, R-Abbotsford, said there is no question the environment is an important issue, but added Black tends to primarily focus his energies on the environment.

Black’s "view of the world tends to center around the environment," Suder said. "While I respect that, there are other issues of greater importance, such as education."

UW College Republicans Chairman Sara Mikolajczak said she is not a firm believer in global warming but feels we do need to worry about the environment.

Mikolajczak added she thinks society can do a lot with nuclear power.

Nuclear power, she said, would reduce carbon dioxide emission by 16 percent without having the negative economic consequences she believes the Wisconsin Safe Climate Act would have.

Black said he appreciates when college students are sincere about a position, including the environment, and would urge students in the next election to be informed voters who go beyond "bumper stickers."

While Black said he wishes Al Gore were running for president again, he said he is comfortable with all the Democratic candidates, though he has yet to endorse anyone in particular.

Although he is passionate about the environment, Black, a member of the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities, also said he is committed to ensuring the UW System receives adequate funding and students obtain the financial aid needed to fund their education.

In the next month, Black said he will introduce legislation that would guarantee students financial aid even if the budget is delayed, which was a problem for many students at the beginning of the semester when the state went 123 days without the 2007-09 state budget.

"If you have talent and ambition, you should be able to attend college," Black said.

Overall, Black said the budget had positive results for the university, adding that funding was adequate to make sure UW-Madison remains a top research institution.

Black also said the budget begins to address problems he said were created by Republicans.

Though Suder said he agrees with Black that the budget will allow UW to take on additional projects, he added previous problems should not be blamed on Republicans.

"The problems the UW System has experienced should not be blamed on any party," Suder said.

Black said his goals for the UW System include adequate support of the universities, significant improvement in financial aid, protection of academic freedom, partner benefits for faculty and staff and continuing to make the university more energy efficient.

"The university is essential to the future of the state," Black said. "It is a very good investment if nurtured correctly."

3 Comments | Leave a comment

Anonymous | November 14, 2007 10:24 AM | Reply
IP hash: 2391ee54

weirdest headline ever

Anonymous | November 14, 2007 1:16 PM | Reply
IP hash: 5bc4031d

More like sweetest headline ever… Usually they contradict the article, extend a viewpoint or bias undermining the article, or just all around suck. But this time, it summed up the entire article perfectly, and captured the entire argument.

Not.