Energy

"Utah should position itself as a leader in renewable energy technologies and not lose opportunities to other western states like New Mexico and Colorado who are pursuing this area aggressively."

--Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr.

Rising gas prices have brought energy concerns to the forefront of public policy discussions.  From the fuel in our cars to the electricity and heating in our homes, Utahns are concerned about our ongoing energy needs and resources.  Additionally, our dependence on foreign oil presents economic and security concerns for the U.S, both now and in the future.

Utah is fortunate to have natural resources that have provided both energy and economic benefits to our citizens.  Large reserves of natural gas, for example, have kept down the cost of home heating, and coal deposits in eastern Utah have provided the bulk of our electricity for decades.

Though these resources have served us well in the past, we must recognize their limitations.  The quantity and location of a particular deposit affect the feasibility and cost of extraction and processing.  Additionally, these traditional energy sources are finite, so we cannot rely on them forever. 

Consequently, long-term energy planning requires more than drilling, drilling, and more drilling.  Complete dependency on finite resources ignores the obvious fact that they will run out.  Increased demand, both locally and globally, not only hastens that process, but also limits our ability to control prices through increased production. 

I support Governor Huntsman’s efforts to expand the development and use of renewable energy sources before our finite resources are depleted.  The governor’s policy on renewable energy emphasizes both the environmental and economic benefits of positioning ourselves as leaders in the development of clean, renewable energy.  I also support conservation and smart community planning as key components of a comprehensive energy strategy. 

Procrastinating the development of renewable energy and the implementation of conservation measures is not merely shortsighted; it threatens the security and prosperity that should be our legacy to future generations.

 

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