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House urges governor to seek observer status in Western Climate Initiative, passes energy-policy resolution
Summary
House passed House Joint Resolution 21 urging Utah to withdraw from the Western Climate Initiative and adopt observer status, citing potential economic impacts; supporters and opponents disagreed over whether Utah should remain 'at the table'.
The Utah House adopted House Joint Resolution 21 on a 52–18 vote, urging the governor to move Utah from partner status to observer status in the Western Climate Initiative.
Sponsor Representative Noel framed HJR21 as a bipartisan concern over potential impacts of cap-and-trade policies on Utah residents and industries. "The Western Climate Initiative requires Utah through public policy to reduce carbon emissions without legislative consultation or input," Noel said, and cited estimates of a $2,000–$4,000 increase in residential power bills from some nonprofit studies.
Representative Hemingway opposed withdrawing, arguing Utah should remain at the table to retain influence. "If we walk away from the table, we don't have the voice that we do as sitting at the table," Hemingway said.
Representative Barriss supported the resolution, saying participation appeared to prepare a path toward a cap-and-trade program and that Utah should not be part of that process. Debate also included references to the 'climategate' controversy and skepticism about data and models cited by proponents of international climate agreements.
HJR21 passed and will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
