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Governor Huntsman developed a 10-point plan for economic development. Within this plan, the Governor identified renewable energy as a key component in growing Utah's economy. "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," he said. To that end, Dr. Dianne Nielson, the Governor's Energy Policy Advisor, is working actively with potential developers of renewable energy in Utah. The State is also working closely with other western states to develop a high voltage transmission line that will enable Utah's renewable resources to get to the higher-priced markets of California and Nevada. With the ability to move electricity to these more expensive markets, Utah's renewable resources can become much more economically competitive. Furthermore, developing these resources not only protects the environment, but revitalizes our rural economies as well.
Renewable Energy Facts
During the late 19th century, Utah had already begun its journey on renewable energy with the development of hydroelectric plants in canyon adjacent to population centers. At present, renewable resources account for about 923 gigawatts of electric generation capacity in the state. This includes solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydro production. The State has supported the growth of renewable energy by funding such projects including the installation of solar panels on the visitor's center at Goblin Valley State Park, the headquarters for the Utah Department of Natural Resources, and Yuba State Park. The State continues to encourage renewable energy through direct purchase, policy, and incentives.
EPA Clean Energy-Environment State Partnership
In 2006, Utah was invited to join EPA's Clean Energy-Environment State Partnership Program. EPA's program is by invitation only and supports states that are developing and implementing cost-effective clean energy and environmental strategies. Currently there are 14 states that are part of this partnership. To learn more about the program or Utah's involvement, please click on the following link: http://www.epa.gov/cleanrgy/stateandlocal/partnership.htm.
Western Governor's Association Clean Energy
Governor Huntsman joins with other western governors are working to bring clean energy to the region. They passed the Clean and Diversified Energy Initiative which includes goals such as 30,0000 megawatts of new clean and diverse energy generation by 2015, a 20 percent increase in energy efficiency by 2020, and adequate transmission capacity for the region over the next 25 years. See the resolution on the WGA's at http://www.westgov.org/wga/initiatives/cdeac/index.htm.
To see other resolutions and initiatives that WGA is working on http://www.westgov.org/index.htm.
Blue Sky Program
Administered by Rocky Mountain Power, this program is designed to offset the emission from household energy use. With Blue Sky, a customer can purchase new wind energy in 100-kilowatt-hour (kwh) increments called "blocks" for an additional fixed cost of $1.95 per block per month. This is in addition to the customer's regular monthly electric bill. For the average customer, buying one block per month is like purchasing 15 percent of your electric use from wind energy. Average customers purchase seven blocks per month to match 100 percent of their energy use to renewable energy. When a customer enrolls, Rocky Mountain Power buys renewable energy on their behalf, equal to the Blue Sky purchase. A customer's purchase increases the demand for electricity generated through renewable resources rather than traditional forms - such as coal and natural gas. For more information, click on the following link: http://www.utahpower.net/Article/Article65531.html
Other Links
State Energy Program
Utah Clean Energy
Utah Clean Cities
Renewable Energy Initiative: Part 1
Renewable Energy Initiative: Part 2
Western Renewable Energy Zones Draft Workplan