Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. has two new roles in the National Governors Association.

Huntsman now will chair the association's Natural Resources Committee and is one of three governors serving as members of the Innovation America Task Force started by the new NGA chair, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano.

Other members of the NGA task force are Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt and Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell. The task force is co-chaired by the vice chair of NGA, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

The task force will examine education and innovation, Huntsman's office said, focusing on job market competitiveness and educating youth to be innovators through the use of math and science.

Utah's governor worked with Napolitano to come up with a resolution on the controversial issue of illegal immigration that was approved earlier this year by the Western Governors' Association.

Huntsman had been vice chair of the national organization's Natural Resources Committee. His new vice chair will be New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson.

"Today we are at a critical juncture in the utilization and development of our natural resources. There are great opportunities for balanced growth and we must carefully evaluate all of our options," Huntsman said, especially alternative development options.

He also called for the committee to "define creative solutions to resource extractions, looking for the best environmental mitigation opportunities and ever-greater use of the most advanced and productive technologies."