From Deseret News archives:
Will green initiative cost Utahns dearly?
The Western Regional Climate Action Initiative calls for an overall regional goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from six Western states, including Utah, and calls for a cap and trade program whereby emission credits could be sold.
But the implementation of such a program could mean a hit in the pocketbook for Utah industries and consumers, who currently pay among the lowest prices nationally for electricity.
In fact, Utah residential electricity prices are about half of what California residents pay.
Utah Sen. Mike Dmitrich, D-Price, said if Utah implements laws regulating carbon dioxide emissions, electricity rates in the state will skyrocket.
"It really surprises me that Gov. Huntsman got in bed with California when they have had severe brownouts not that long ago and they are predicted again this year," Dmitrich said. "We have to look at the many, many jobs that could be lost if something this drastic takes place. The income to the state and the economy from electric power generation and the coal industry is enormous."
But in California a new law implemented this year bars utilities and cities from renewing or negotiating new contracts from high-polluting sources, like coal-fired power plants.
Major California cities like Anaheim, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena and Riverside currently rely on Utah coal-fired power plants for their electricity needs. By 2027, those cities will no longer be allowed to purchase coal-fired power.
"We don't have such a thing as Democratic air or Democratic water or Republican air or Republican water," said California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger at a news conference Monday. "Three and a half years ago when I campaigned to become governor I said I want to take care of the economy and take care of the environment. They said, 'You can't do both.' But we have proven that you can do both."
Still, for Utah consumers, a cap and trade program could have tremendous economic impacts, according to Dave Eskelsen, a spokesman for Rocky Mountain Power, which serves 75 percent of the state's residents.
"A cap and trade program doesn't in and of itself reduce emissions. It makes emissions more expensive," Eskelsen said. "We want to be part of these discussions to make sure that energy policy changes are well informed as to their impacts on consumers. Our experience has been that customers generally do not favor rate increases for any reason."
E-mail: danderton@desnews.com
Comments
- Sen. Dems at odds over health bill 1:17 p.m.
- Arrest in suspected child abuse 1:13 p.m.
- Mammogram guidelines spark debate 12:57 p.m.
- Man dies after SUV backs over him 12:39 p.m.
- At 6-5, hard time arguing firing Weis 12:24 p.m.
- $27M transfer for state Route 193 12:20 p.m.
- 'Christmas With King Family' DVD 12:16 p.m.
- Youn men help fill food-pantry needs 12:15 p.m.
- Who is Oprah's heir apparent? 11:39 a.m.
- Florida No. 1, TCU 4 in AP Top 25 11:34 a.m.
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- BYU records with win
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
- Utah Utes whip SDSU
- Former BYU professor remembered
- Cougars put the fun back in football
- Kirilenko heating up for the Jazz
- Y. coach Hill up for Portland State job
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
199 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
174 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
170 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
123 - BYU records with win
119 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
100 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93 - Huntsman pleased with Obama
87
There's a lot of reason to leave your plastic home as you shop:
I don't pretend to be an expert on global warming. I've met with...
Good luck with that defense, see ya in about 10 years.
You know, I'm happy that Bronco is showing some emotion too, but there used...
I am not convinced that this health bill will be an over-all improvement. I...
It's not the gun's fault. Guns aren't the problem. They never are. Ever....
Geez Louise. They are more outdated than the Osmonds and belong in Branson,...
my bet is that she will run for a political office opposite Sarah Palin.......
I totally agree with Cosmo. What's up with that? Is Mormon Times trying to...
This is a perfect time to try the Reagan approach of cutting taxes to...
THIS IS YOUR YEAR cougs!!! You have a Senior QB, an All-star Senior TE, and a...
Come Friday night Boise State Technical College goes down - HARD - to Nevada...



You can be the first to comment on this story.