ARCATA -- Although many students agree Humboldt State University's Humboldt Energy Independence Fund is a good idea, some students fear the measure could set a dangerous statewide precedent.

The ballot initiative, which students will vote on next week, would establish a fund for renewable energy projects by upping student fees by $10 a semester. Students would submit their plans for renewable energy projects, such as solar panels, to the Humboldt Energy Independence Fund. If passed, the measure would take HSU off the main energy grid by 2043.

Concerns about the initiative, however, exist on campus.

"Some people are highly opposed to the measure," said HSU student representative to the California State Student Association Manolo Platin. "It's been painted as such a pro thing, and I'm afraid equal time hasn't been given to the opposition."

Platin said the measure goes against California's Master Plan for Education, which states student fees are not to be used for infrastructure building.

"We're very concerned about sustainable energy, and we're all for the idea," said Platin from a cell phone in San Francisco, where he is attending a conference at San Francisco State University this weekend. "Student fees shouldn't go toward maintaining a campus' infrastructure. This will set a precedent by shifting the upkeep of buildings away from the state and onto the students."

In the past two years, Platin said, student fees have risen more than 150 percent. Any extra fees imposed on students, no matter how worthwhile their intent, would be asking too much of students, Platin said.

"The chancellor and Board of Trustees will look at this, and we need to say this shouldn't be weighed on the backs of students," he said. "We feel we pay too much as it is. Every extra dollar imposed reduces access to students."

The fear was also raised that future state budget cuts may force the university to dip into the energy fund and use it for other things.

Platin said HSU's plans to diversify its campus could be affected. The university recently unveiled its Diversity Action Plan draft, which seeks to make HSU a national leader in diversity by attracting more students, staff and faculty of color.

"Access and affordability are directly tied to diversity," he said.

"The students would be taking on the burden the state usually does," Platin said. "If HSU passes this it sends the message to the state that if the students want this they will have to pay for it themselves."