The UW-Madison chapter of the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group took part in a nationwide ""call-in"" with their Big Red Go Green global warming campaign Thursday at Library Mall.
The campaign is part of an effort to get U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., to support the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which supporters say has the potential to create many jobs, achieve energy independence and reduce the effects of global warming.
WISPIRG set up a table and had several volunteers at Library Mall encouraging passing students to make a phone call to Feingold to show support for the bill.
""We have to accelerate our progress to stop global warming,"" WISPIRG media intern Melissa Grau said. ""Big oil/coal lobbyists have been hindering grassroots efforts, causing Sen. Feingold to be a swing voter, which means we could use all the student help we can get.""
Both Grau and WISPIRG member Chase Fritz said it is important for UW-Madison students to get their voices heard.
""This is our generation, and this is the world we have to live in. Making phone calls, writing letters and signing postcards definitely impacts how a senator feels about things,"" Fritz said.
WISPIRG got 85 students to make a call Thursday, which fell short of their goal of 200.
WISPIRG members said they will continue to host events for this cause throughout the semester with the help of the BRGG campaign.
Grau said she urges students to continue to communicate with their lawmakers and keep their eyes and ears open for similar events in the future.
