Energy bills offer incentives

A bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers announced a plan Thursday to push through a package of energy legislation that would provide incentives for environmentally sound and efficient energy product and consumption.

Among the six House bills and one Senate bill are tax credits for both alternative energy production and clean and efficient vehicles.

Rep. Roger Barrus, R-Centerville, said the six representatives and two senators worked with a variety of concerned parties including energy company executives and those concerned with the environment.

"This is truly the work of the people," he said.

The legislators said their plan supports Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s call to increase state energy efficiency.

House Minority Leader Ralph Becker, D-Salt Lake, said sound energy policy will reap economic, environmental and health benefits. He said that creating sound energy policy would take the work of everyone in state government.

Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, said energy independence and wise energy policy ultimately, should be a national goal.

The bills included in the package are SB13, HB30, HB110, HB122, HB243, HB351 and HJR2.