Utah Legislature: Climate change resolution advances in Senate

SALT LAKE CITY — A controversial climate change resolution advanced in the Senate Thursday by a vote of 18-8, despite criticism by Democrats that its message will reflect poorly on Utah's reputation.

HJR12, which may be read online at le.utah.gov/~2010/htmdoc/hbillhtm/HJR012.htm, is sponsored by Rep. Kerry Gibson, R-Ogden. The resolution urges the Environmental Protection Agency to cease its regulation of carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas emission until climate change science can be proven.

"I do not know that my daughter or future generations can wait 10 years for us to get our act together and start taking care of the environment," said Sen. Luz Robles, D-Salt Lake, adding that even if the resolution is a mere message bill, its "message could be counterproductive to the image of Utah."

But Majority Whip Wayne Niederhauser, R-Sandy, said the EPA is wrongly pursuing its regulation on the premise that carbon dioxide will continue to increase in the atmosphere at a time when more and more attention is being paid to so-called green energy.

"I do not think the EPA should be basing their policy on clean air on this idea that carbon dioxide is going to be continuing on a steep projectory," he said.

The resolution will get one more airing in the Senate before it goes to the governor's office for consideration. It previously passed in the House on a 56-17 vote.

e-mail: amyjoi@desnews.com