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Gary Herbert on Energy & Oil
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State can set example on green energy
One of the most complex challenges as a result of our growth is our air quality. The state itself is one of Utah's largest employers. So let us lead by example. Because tailpipe emissions are such a big part of the problem, let's reduce the miles driven
by state employees by increasing state employee use of transit and accountable telework. Let's eliminate the dirtiest state vehicles and replace them with Tier 3 and electric automobiles. Let's improve the energy efficiency of State buildings.
We can create incentives for the public to pull aging dirty diesel vehicles off the road; to replace more than 5000 wood burning stoves; and to swap out 25,000 pieces of gasoline-powered yard equipment for battery powered options.
Let's make electric vehicle charging stations more accessible and convenient statewide by providing 300 electric vehicle chargers for public use at state facilities and providing incentives for an additional 800 charging stations at private businesses.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Utah legislature
, Jan 30, 2019
Utah is energy-independent; now export oil & nuclear
Utah's energy industries create tens of thousands of jobs, and tax revenues from energy-related jobs amounted to over $200 million dollars last year alone. Utah has been abundantly blessed with massive reserves of energy resources. We are a state that is
largely energy independent. In fact, we are a net exporter of electricity. While many other states, and indeed our nation, have compromised or abandoned their energy independence, here in Utah, WE WILL NOT! We simply cannot put the economic fate of futur
generations in peril by relying upon others for our energy needs. Last year I called for the development of a ten-year strategic energy plan for Utah. Our reliance upon traditional fuels is being challenged. Yes, renewable energies such as wind,
solar, and geothermal, will play an expanding and important role. However, the "base load"--the very foundation of Utah's energy-will, most assuredly, be provided by either fossil or nuclear fuels. Every state has to face that simple reality.
Source: 2011 Utah State of the State Address
, Jan 26, 2011
Develop natural gas resources while protecting local culture
A much-needed new "state of mind" was recently successfully demonstrated by conservation groups, the Bureau of Land Management, Indian tribes, local governments and oil drilling companies. These groups came together to protect priceless
Indian rock art in Nine Mile Canyon, while still allowing for responsible development of Utah's natural gas resources. This is a prime example of how partnership, combined with leadership, can achieve measurable results for our state.
Source: Utah 2010 State of the State Address
, Jan 26, 2010
No importation of foreign nuclear waste into Utah
Let me be clear: I remain opposed to the importation of foreign nuclear waste into Utah. Certainly, the challenges of being a state with a federally permitted nuclear waste disposal facility are complex and ongoing. My responsibilities on these issues,
on the other hand, are quite simple, and they will not be compromised. As Governor, I will use all available state resources within the law to protect the health, safety and welfare of all Utahns, now and for generations to come.
Source: Utah 2010 State of the State Address
, Jan 26, 2010
Stop harmful EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.
Herbert signed Letter from 20 Governors to leaders in Congress
We feel compelled to guard against a regulatory approach that would increase the cost of electricity and gasoline prices, manufactured products, and ultimately harm the competitiveness of the US economy. As governors, we strongly urge Congress to stop harmful EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions that could damage those vital interests. We ask that Congress continue its work to pass comprehensive legislation that balances the role of conservation and climate security with the production of abundant and affordable American energy.
The EPA has initiated efforts to impose greenhouse gas regulations that could be harmful to our economies at an especially critical time. As Governors, we are gravely concerned about such regulation.
EPA is not equipped to consider the very real potential for economic harm when regulating emissions. Without that consideration, regulation will place heavy administrative burdens on state environmental quality agencies, will be costly to consumers, and could be devastating to the economy and jobs.
We believe that EPA should offer input regarding complex energy and environmental policy initiatives, like reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but feel that these policies are best developed by elected representatives at the state and national level, not by a single federal agency. There is no question that broad bipartisan support exists to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while taking into consideration the difficult fiscal situation that our states and the nation face.
Source: Letter from 20 Governors to leaders in Congress 100310-Gov on Mar 10, 2010
Page last updated: Nov 16, 2019
