State Sets Greenhouse Gas Emissions Goal

 

The state of Utah has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 28 percent by 2020 – a goal that supporters say is “ambitious and realistic.”

“Our goal is to reduce our emissions to 2005 levels by 2020,” Rick Sprott, executive director of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), told a group of reporters at the June 20 announcement. “This is more aggressive than what some states have set and not as aggressive as others.”

Dianne R. Nielson, energy adviser for Governor Huntsman, joined Sprott in announcing the goal, a commitment Governor Huntsman made when he joined the Western Climate Initiative – a group of Western states and Canadian provinces developing a regional cap-and-trade program to cut greenhouse gasses. The goal also stems from the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Advisory Council on Climate Change (BRAC), which submitted a report to the Governor that lists 72 recommendations, including a statewide goal to reduce emissions.

Sprott and Nielson emphasized the goal is a first step, and not a regulatory mandate.

“As we move forward we have a goal that is meaningful and doable,” Nielson said. “We will continue to measure greenhouse gas emissions and make adjustments as we need to.”

DEQ commissioned Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions at Duke University to analyze the BRAC policy options. The goal reflects input from experts from government agencies, businesses and the public.

To achieve the goal, Sprott and Nielson challenged all Utahns to reduce driving and conserve energy, which in the long run will help save them money. Industry is stepping up to the challenge by building more energy-efficient homes and developing more fuel-efficient vehicles.

“The Utah greenhouse gas reduction goal must be viewed in the context of our state’s economy, our natural resource base, and our ability to advance technologically,” said Sprott. “It was crafted to balance these very critical interests with the welfare of future generations.”

For more information, visit: http://www.climatechange.utah.gov/.