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The Kyoto Protocol framework was negotiated in 1997, ratified by over 140 nations, and went into effect last February. The U.S., currently the world’s biggest greenhouse gas polluter, has refused to sign on thus-far. “I’m proud of the governor and the city,” said J. Drake Hamilton, Director of Science Policy for Minnesotans for an Environmentally Efficient Economy (ME3). “Basically, this pact happened because cities got tired of waiting around for the federal government.”

Both Minneapolis and St. Paul are undoubtedly among the more environmentally sound cities in the U.S. In fact, St. Paul currently complies with the Kyoto agreement. According to St. Paul Public Works, the city has reduced emissions by seven percent since 1992. Although these statistics paint a rosy picture, it also must be noted that Minnesota registered its worst Air Quality Index(AQI) in 2005. The AQI is composed as a summary of the ground-level ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide levels. A few years ago, most days in the metro area were marked as having “good” air quality with an AQI from 0-50.

Presently, most days are designated as having “moderate” quality air with ratings between 50-100. The air quality can have an adverse effect on health for small children and those with respiratory diseases when the index rises over 100, as it did last year.

The major player in Twin Cities pollution is transportation. Statewide, transportation accounts for 45 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions and over 2.6 billion gallons of gasoline every year. Brad Bobbit, president of Hamline’s Environmental Studies club, echoed similar sentiments. “One of the best things you can do to help the environment is to use alternative forms of transportation such as buses and bikes,” he said.

HUSC passed a resolution last February to make a city bus pass available to ACTC students for an optional $55 per semester fee. This resolution is very similar to the U-Pass program at the University of Minnesota, which has been a success on many levels. The reason ACTC doesn’t have this pass? It might be that the U-Pass is funded by a $990,671 federal grant, whereas there is no current money allotted to the ACTC schools for this kind of transportation.

For now, Hamline’s environmental groups are focusing on promoting awareness campus-wide while encouraging individuals to make small changes in their daily routines. They are also currently planning for a “St. Paul Sustainability Summit” in mid-April.

Some conservative groups, however, such as the American Farm Bureau, state that the planet is merely warming by natural means. While there is undoubtedly an on-going debate about this issue, one thing everyone can agree on is that corn makes good fuel. “The Farm Bureau supports ethanol and bio-deisel,” said Joyce Welamder, Ramsey Co. Farm Bureau Representative. “The use of ethanol, especially, will stimulate the rural economy.” Bobbit also rendered positive statements about the food-turned-fuel. “[Ethanol] is cleaner, more environmentally sound, and supports sustainability through environmental and economic means,” he said.

What the city needs to do to accomplish Coleman’s goal is suspected to be determined in the coming weeks. However, it does not look to be an empty promise, especially since St. Paul has met previous goals for emissions. “This is a recommitment to the environment in St. Paul,” said Hamilton. “Hopefully this commitment on the city level will prompt changes on the state and federal level.”