In nature, anomalies can be important in natural development. If nothing else they almost always signal a change; sometimes even a new species can emerge. National conferences are generally removed from the sphere of student activism, but Powershift 2009 is a notable exception to this rule- the high-profile anomaly in a vast network of local climate activism. Powershift brought 12,000 students and youth from across America to D.C. last weekend for three days of action focused on a clean energy future. The conference, held at the Washington Convention center, featured hundreds panels and workshops where students met with community organizers, professionals, experts, and each other to learn about a vast array of energy related issues. Topics ranged from environmental justice to campus organizing, coal mining to Copenhagen. The workshops and panels brought speakers and experts from all walks of life, including everyone from the radical Christian environmentalists in the “Stop a Bulldozer and Hug a Tree for Jesus” workshop to business executives in the“Examples of Corporate Sustainability” talk. Major figures from many fields came to speak at the conference, including celebrated environmentalist and author Bill McKibben, and Democratic speaker of the house Nancy Pelosi. The event, organized by the Energy Action Coalition, was sponsored by over 50 organizations representing green energy and conservation groups from around the country. Perhaps the most exciting feature of the conference was its sheer energy; the result of thousands of people from all walks of life and vastly different political and social backgrounds coming together to address issues that affects all of us- energy and climate change.

The weekend of workshops and panels culminated on Monday in the halls of power on Capitol Hill. Thousands of students braved a rare DC snowstorm to lobby their representatives for strong, progressive energy policy. Armed with talking points, green hard hats and incredible energy, students from all over the country met face-to-face with their Congressmen and Senators to show their elected officials that the youth constituency is deeply concerned about climate issues and passionate about getting something done to address global warming and the energy crisis facing America. The impact of lobby day was felt on both sides of the table. Representatives and staffers faced dozens of young faces at their meetings who had traveled from as far away as Washington state to express their concerns, and average college students experienced their true power as American voters by walking into the spacious marble halls of Congress and making real demands of those they helped to hire. Few Americans, especially young people, realize that true participation in democracy goes way beyond voting- it is up to the constituency to make sure their elected leaders are representing them and protecting their interests. One voters voice can echo quite loudly if you take the time to speak up, especially in person!

Real change in energy and climate legislation is possible in 2009. The Obama administration is committed to re-making America’s energy future, and a major energy bill is expected before the year is over. Re-building America’s energy infrastructure is a key part of the bail-out plan, and will have a salient role in international relations in light of the Copenhagen treaty that will replace Kyoto this year. It is critical that Americans continue to show commitment to real progressive legislation to their congressmen and senators- supporting those who are active in passing green legislation and pressuring those who aren’t. We will not achieve the solutions this crisis demands without bold, progressive energy policy, and even with support from the White house, powerful entrenched political and industry interests will mobilize their vast resources to water down new energy laws and push for false solutions like ‘clean coal’ and nuclear power. It is up to the citizens of America, especially the youth of our nation, to be loud and clear with our leaders in demanding effective energy policy to fight global warming and our dependence on all fossil fuels. To rebuild America’s energy infrastructure and emerge as a world leader in building a green economy, the American people have to step up and form a powerful movement capable of influencing government and producing truly effective green energy policy. Powershift 2009 is the beginnings of that movement among the youth of America; 12,000 strong and growing fast.