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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."