Utah Legislature: Lawmakers again shoot down carbon credit trading

SALT LAKE CITY — For the second year in a row, the Utah Senate shot down a proposal that would have supported potential carbon credit trading in Utah.

Sen. Ross Romero's SB128 would have given communities a green light to capitalize on greenhouse gases.

Several Utah communities already turn waste into energy or other renewable resources and sell the resulting carbon credits through market programs.

On Monday, Republicans argued that the bill would establish support for controversial cap and trade programs.

Romero, D-Salt Lake City, said his proposal would have been voluntary and would simply have allowed communities to raise additional funds.

"This would create an environment for willing buyers and willing sellers," he said. "I think it is self-evident that there is a demand for these credits."

Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, called the measure "junk science" and said similar measures have led to "socialism."

— Josh Smith