Climate Change Hot Potato Back in Gov's Lap

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) A committee of environmentalists, utility companies and elected officials appointed by the Governor to address climate change in Utah has finished its work. The result is a lengthy report with few solid recommendations. KCPW's Julie Rose reports:

 

A panel of environmentalists, utility companies and elected officials created a list of options dealing with global warming in Utah. Now Governor Jon Huntsman is in the hot seat to make the tough decisions. He originally asked for strong recommendations from his Blue Ribbon Advisory Council, but Huntsman says he's happy with the shopping list he got instead. The diverse opinions on the council will make the outcome better in the end, adds Huntsman.

The report does draw a direct link between global warming and the carbon emissions from cars and coal-fired power plants. Huntsman also wanted the committee to set a goal known as a Renewable Portfolio Standard that would increase the state's reliance on clean energy sources like wind and solar. Utility companies on the climate change council say those standards should be voluntary.

In the next few weeks, Huntsman will appoint an advisory group to start working on the tough decisions left open by his climate change council. That may include setting limits on power plant emissions, establishing a goal for more renewable energy sources and deciding whether nuclear power belongs on that list.

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