Renewable energy goal, not mandate, passes committee

A bill that sets a goal to have 20 percent of the state's energy come from renewable sources by 2025, passed favorably out of a Senate committee Monday.

The measure, SB202, is sponsored by Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo. It does not mandate the 20 percent renewable standard, but sets a goal for the state to encourage that percentage if proven cost effective, he said.

Under the legislation, energy sources that do not emit hydrocarbons or produce greenhouse gases could count toward the 20 percent renewable standard. Nuclear energy would be included in that definition, Bramble said.

Several environmental groups said while they support the bill, they worried it was not a serious enough commitment toward developing "clean" or renewable energy. The state's major utility operators support the measure.