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Gee addresses conflict of interest
By Kate Liebers
The Ohio State University President, Gordon Gee, just got a little greener, but he seems to have some soot on his fingertips.
Gee was selected to lead the Energy Initiative Advisory Committee in maximizing environment-friendly energy research at public universities. This position parallels Gee's support of Ohio State's "Scarlet, Gray and Green" efforts, yet as Gee sits on the board of Massey Energy coal-mining company, Gee could be less "green" and more "gray" than suspected.
Gee, however, denied a conflict of interest. He described his involvement with Massey Energy as a learning experience and an opportunity to affect change.
"Coal is one of our most important energy sources," said Gee as he expressed his interest in big energy issues.
Indeed, coal generates the majority of America's electricity, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, coal is also a contributor to greenhouse gases and the nation's single greatest contributor to air pollution.
Massey landed in hot water with environmental lawyers in 2008 for violating the Clean Water Act more than 4,500 times, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Massey paid $20 million to resolve the issue-the largest civil penalty ever for a water permit violation.
"Massey itself, as with many coal companies, has had enormous challenges," said Gee, who has been on the company's board of directors since 2000. "I so happen to serve on the environmental policy committee," Gee explained, although Massey does not indicate this role in Gee's company bio.
"Massey has in many ways become a signature company in terms of its environmental policies," Gee continued. "And I'm proud of that."
According to Massey's Web site, the company focused on improving environmental performance in 2007. Since then, they have claimed a 36-percent reduction in citations from state regulatory agencies.
"If I can't make a difference on a board then I will not serve," said Gee, referring to the coal company. "In this instance, I have been a strong board member learning about energy and having an impact in terms of positive policy."
Influencing positive environmental policy is one mission of the Energy Initiative Advisory Committee, which the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities launched March 24.
Comprised of 15 universities, the committee seeks to tap innovative college students' research ideas to promote energy independence. One subcommittee-the Technical Group-is to advise policymakers on research issues after consulting universities, while the other subcommittee-the Advocacy Group-follows legislation to determine when public university's research interests can be presented to Congress.
APLU President Peter McPherson told the press that America's public research universities have had a significant role in the development of energy technologies. "Collectively, we can channel the way for making more of these contributions a reality," he said.
OSU students need to look no further than the Institute for Energy and the Environment (IEE) on campus to see these contributions taking form.
At the IEE, students have created the first electric vehicle to achieve 300 mph, as well as the first hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle, named Buckeye Bullet 1 and 2, respectively. The ChallengeX Team won third place in the competition to convert a gasoline-fueled car into a hybrid. Currently, the Solar Decathlon Team is building a solar-powered house outside the football stadium.
"Part of our role is to do the innovation here on campus, which then spills out into the general public," said IEE associate director Kate Bartter. "I think it's something to be proud of, that students at OSU understand the environment and the economy and want to be a part of the solution."
Architecture student Rob Hedge is one example. Now a graduate student working on the Solar Decathlon Team, Hedge reflected how OSU has changed since Gee became university president.
"When I was an undergrad in '06 I was very upset with the university because they didn't care about the environment," Hedge said. "However, now, with President Gee, that's changed."
Regarding Gee's position with Massey Energy, Hedge vouched for Gee being a "staunch supporter" of IEE projects.
"I would hope that President Gee, with his status on the board, is being influential and doing the right thing," Hedge said.
Originally Published: April 8, 2009
