SHERMAN, Tex. -- Austin College had a discussion Tuesday about the environmental plans of each presidential candidate. Rashi Vats has more.

The federal government reports that there has a 36 percent energy cost increase this year alone. It is a topic of discussion for the presidential candidates and citizens.

At Austin College, students were able to voice their opinion on the presidential candidates’ plans for the environment.

"I think that it's something that doesn't get talked about often, and things that do get talked about is gas prices, but the actual energy crisis isn't as big of a deal, and a lot of like especially now that the economy and bailout and all that, it's going to be a lot less of an issue. I think it is kind of worrisome," Austin College student Jade Rutledge says.

Terry La Crosse spent two years trying to figure out the best alternative energy source, and he came up with wind turbines.

But the economy may be playing a role in the troubles of getting started. Even though there has been interest for as long as his business has been open, that was six months ago.

"[There are] tremendous amount of people interested in alternative energy wind systems. Just there's no money to go out there and borrow," Terry La Crosse, owner of No-More- Electric-Bills.com says.

La Crosse says because of the credit crunch, people are hesitant to buy the turbines, and that will likely be the case until there is an alternative plan in Washington.

If you would like more information on wind turbines or other alternative energy sources, visit the links below.

http://www.biodieselsustainability.org/

http://no-more-electricbills.com/