• Have the state vehicle fleet take the lead in changes.

• Set voluntary efficiency targets for residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

• Improve building codes.

• Preserve open space and agricultural land, trying to protect forests.

• Promote production of biomass fuel.

The recommendations that are labeled as merely "medium priority" include, among others:

• Develop and deploy advanced generation technology, which would include such things as converting landfill gases and other waste gases to energy, and "nuclear development."

• Institute "congestion pricing" to reduce transportation congestion.

• Expand use of wood products for building materials.

Another section, recommending a cost-benefit analysis, remains to be added.

"There have been a number of changes that have been made" to the draft, Nielson told the panel. If necessary, the panel could be reconvened to debate any of the changes, she said. She also will have members consider a renewable energy section.

A member of the panel asked what the next step is. Nielson said that once these items are approved in final form, "we will be formally presenting this to the governor." Based on Huntsman's review, some steps could follow such as asking state agencies for action.

"There may be some (recommendations) that will require legislative action," she said. In that case, Huntsman would work with legislators and find sponsors for those provisions.

During the meeting, the amplified voice of Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon boomed from above. One of the task force's 24 members, he was unable to be present in person Monday but participated via telephone.

Two members of the task force who might not at first blush seem likely bedfellows said they were happy with the recommendations and that their groups' Web sites may link to the final version of the report. They are Scott Gutting, director of the industry-commercial oriented Utah Association of Energy Users, and Tim Wagner, conservation coordinator for the Utah Chapter of the Sierra Club.

After the meeting, Nielson told the Deseret Morning News that the report contains "a range of options that could be used to reduce greenhouse gases." She noted that the task force's membership included representatives of local governments, interest groups, state and legislative entities.

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E-mail: bau@desnews.com