The environmental forum held Feb. 24th in Rapid City, South Dakota discussed recycling efforts, and energy conservation, addressing issues similar to those being looked at by presidential hopefuls in national debates this primary season.

The forum was held at the School of Mines, a state-supported university committed to considering aspects of science and engineering as they apply to the local, national and global community.  

Nearly 27 percent of Rapid City natives identified themselves as recyclers, as was stated during the event, an apparent increase from a decade ago when only a third of that amount considering trash consolidation.  

Democratic hopefuls, Sen. Obama and Sen. Clinton, have both keynoted similar plans to reduce carbon emissions by significant figures by the year 2050.Mike Chase, an associate of the Black Hills Electric Co-Op, gave details of an initiative being set forth by Basin electric a wind to hydrogen project. "It's to reduce some of our dependence on fossil fuels," said Chase. Energy conversation has also made a splash amongst the presidential hopefuls, who have spent recent months campaigning, and debating their plans regarding a plethora of issues during party primaries.  

Democratic hopefuls, Sen. Obama and Sen. Clinton, have both keynoted similar plans to reduce carbon emissions by significant figures by the year 2050, and implement various consequences for equivocation regarding green efforts by polluters.

Locally, the University of Tennessee has perpetuated an effort known as Make Orange Green, which looks to promote environmental and conservation awareness on campus. 

The goals of the program include many objectives, most importantly making the College of Architecture energy efficient and carbon neutral by 2010 and increasing funding to replace outdated valves and light bulbs around campus.

When polled concerning a preference of the presidential candidates' views towards the conserving the environment, the majority of UT students expressed support of the Democratic plans; though, Sen. McCain has not chosen to focus on the issue widely, which could be why more students were not particularly fond or aware of the views he may have.