A bill before the Utah legislature that will encourage utilities to use renewable energy has received a boost from that state’s governor.
This story in the Salt Lake Tribune says despite the support from Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., it doesn’t mean he’s giving up his own push for more solar, wind and geothermal resources into the state’s electricity mix:
During a legislative committee hearing on Monday, Huntsman’s energy policy advisor, Dianne Nielson, spoke in favor of SB202, which urges public and regulated utilities to pursue renewable energy sources to the extent it is cost-effective to do so.
Tuesday, Nielson said she believes the bill, sponsored by Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, is a good way to reach Huntsman’s goals for renewable energy development. But if difficulties arise on the way to that goal, the governor would step in to help meet the target, she said.
The point is to stimulate economic development and ensure a more secure energy future, with renewable energy resources a key ingredient, she said.
“The governor wants to find a way to work with all the parties to diversify the energy supply and meet the targets,” Nielson said. “That’s everybody’s goal here.”
The article goes on to say that Huntsman is stopping short of mandating the increase in renewable fuel use.