Detroit, MI - Nearly 400 students from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University will be among nearly 10,000 young adults converging on Washington, D.C. this weekend calling for bold changes in federal energy policy. Power Shift '09 is a national youth summit being held today through Monday to put pressure on Congress to create a new energy policy - one that will create millions of green jobs, invest in a clean energy economy, cut global warming pollution and end dependence on foreign oil.
National Wildlife Federation Campus Field Director Lisa Madry says young voters want their future to include a better environment.
"They voted in higher numbers than ever before in the last election. They're coming to Washington, D.C. to demand strong, urgent action to address the climate crisis."
Michigan will be well-represented at the summit, adds Madry.
"There are over 400 students coming all the way from Michigan and they've organized strong groups. They've got bus loads coming from the University of Michigan and Wayne State."
Power Shift '09 leaders believe new energy policy should be developed within the first 100 days of the Obama administration. Among the group's stated goals - they intend to "push the new administration and Congress to pass bold, comprehensive energy and climate legislation."
