Initiative proposal is expected this month

The Western Climate Initiative in Utah is still cutting teeth, but a "mega recommendation" is expected later in April that may help direct how state regulators will oversee the tracking and reducing of greenhouse-gas emissions.

Stakeholders were given an update on the initiative Monday during a meeting at the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. Still to be determined is how the initiative will impact industries like coal providers, power producers, oil refineries and even vehicle owners.

Utah became a partner in the initiative last year, joining Arizona, British Columbia, California, Manitoba, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington. DEQ's executive director, Rick Sprott, said the department may have a more firm commitment to the initiative by August in the form of a memorandum of understanding.

More information and the latest documents and updates can be found at www.climatechange.utah.gov or at www.westernclimateinitiative.org.

Comments on and responses to the initiative from environmental watchdogs and affected industries are available online.