Herbert schedules energy hearings

SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Gary R. Herbert has scheduled four public hearings across the state to solicit input on his 10-year "strategic energy plan" as part of an initiative announced earlier this summer.

"We are moving forward with our plan to responsibly develop Utah's abundant energy resources while also pursuing renewable energy opportunities throughout the state," Herbert said. "A critical part of this process is to gather valuable input from stakeholders and citizens."

The meetings will be facilitated by Ted Wilson, Herbert's environmental adviser and chairman of the Governor's Energy Initiative Task Force. Members of the task force will also attend the hearings.

Among the details he laid out in the initiative, Herbert said he wants to maintain access to clean and low-cost energy resources while at the same time tap new technologies that combine traditional energy resources with development of renewables.

The focus also includes the development of new energy-related manufacturing jobs in the state and the promotion of energy efficiency and conservation. Herbert would also like to increase collaboration with other Western states to present a "unified voice" to federal regulatory agencies on issues such as energy and public lands use.

Details of the scheduled hearings are:

 Sept. 8, Carbon County Courthouse, 120 E. Main, Price, 5 to 7 p.m.

 Sept. 9 at Southern Utah University's Hunter Conference Center, Cedar City, 5 to 7 p.m.

 Sept. 14, State Office Building Auditorium, Utah State Capitol Complex, Salt Lake City, 5 to 7 p.m.

 Sept. 23, Western Park, 302 E. 200 South, Vernal, 3 to 5 p.m.

Interested individuals are being encouraged to RSVP to guarantee a speaking time. Contact Ashlee Buchholz at 801-538-1621 or e-mail abuccholz@utah.gov

e-mail: amyjoi@desnews.com