Lawmakers target Governor Huntsman for participation in Western Climate Initiative
POST: Lawmakers target Governor Huntsman for participation in Western Climate Initiative
| Topics: |  2009 Legislative Session, The Utah House |
Two Republican legislators are clearly not too happy with Governor Huntsman for joining the Western Climate Initiative. Representative Roger Barrus and Representative Mike Noel have introduced House Bill 190, State Energy Policy Restrictions and House Resolution 03, Resolution on Energy Policy respectively.
Representative Barrus' legislation would require any initiative, specifically any initiative dealing with energy, signed onto by a member of the executive branch be approved by the legislature. Representative Noel's resolution is nonbinding and simply makes clear the legislature does not appreciate Governor Huntsman's support for the Western Climate Initiative and efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
It is unfortunate that just as investments in green technology are poised to take off with strong support from the federal government Utah legislators insist on clinging to the past. There is an element of continued global warming denial implicit in both pieces of legislation as well. Governor Huntsman's efforts to ensure Utah benefits both environmentally and economically from the coming green energy boom should be supported by Utah legislators.
