When Penn State student groups started campaigning to change University Park into an "environmentally friendly" institution last year, they did not receive as much attention as group leaders would have hoped.

"Last fall and into the spring semester we asked them to lower the gas emissions, not because we're crazy hippies, but because we love Penn State and want it to be the best it can be," EcoAction treasurer Steve Robinson said. "They didn't respond."

However, almost a year later, the groups are still working through Penn State's Kyoto Now! movement, a campaign created by EcoAction and Green Destiny Council, that focuses on raising awareness and action for environmental issues.

Currently the group is trying to achieve its goal by asking students to sign letters that will be sent to Penn State President Graham Spanier, asking him to help reduce the university's greenhouse gas emissions.

"As a university, we've increased our emissions 30 percent from 1990 and we're above the university average," Robinson said. "Our goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to seven percent below the 1990 levels by 2012."

Unsigned letters can be downloaded online at www.psukyotonow.org and can be dropped off at 8 p.m. on Sundays at 313 HUB where movement volunteers will collect the letters.

"For students who don't want to join the group, but still want to help we have meetings on Sundays where they can drop off their letters to Graham Spanier," EcoAction President Maura Cowley said. "Since our campaign started last April we've received over 1,000 letters."

The movement also has other goals in mind, such as creating an Energy Conservation department and encouraging the university to provide financial incentives to improve energy efficiency.

Robinson said a lot of progress has been made since last year, but the groups are not satisfied yet.

"If we could get a state grant, then our goals would be very feasible," he said.

Some of the progress lies in the advancement of alternative energy sources, Robinson added.

"We're talking to the university about doubling their wind energy," he said. "Penn State is considering it and if they do it will make them the second largest wind purchase in the United States."

Penn State has also taken steps to conserve energy in the dorms and on-campus.

"I know in the dorms they've tried introducing front-loading washers and energy efficient dryers," said John Yerger (senior-wildlife and fishery science), who is a member of the Kyoto Now! movement.

Earth and mineral science professor Jonathan Mathews said he feels Penn State already makes an attempt to conserve energy.

"Penn State is doing a pretty good job, actually," he said. "You can't find incandescent light bulbs anymore and they are playing with things like bio-diesel and other renewable energy, such as energy purchase from the wind."

Instead of using incandescent light bulbs, the university uses compact fluorescent lighting in outdoor fixtures because they are more efficient.

Yerger said he feels it is important for Penn State to make these changes because the university can be a trendsetter for other schools.

"Penn State has been a leader in so many different initiatives, and I think it would be really important for us to take a leadership role on global warming issues," he said. "All the other schools that look up to us will take a serious look at the issue as well."