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House extends membership in Energy Producing States Coalition after debate over partisan representation
Summary
The House voted to extend Utah’s participation in an interstate Energy Producing States Coalition using previously appropriated funds; a floor amendment to require bipartisan representation failed and sponsors argued for selecting engaged appointees.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House on Jan. 30 approved House Bill 48 to extend the state's participation in an Energy Producing States Coalition for another year, renewing a non-lapsing appropriation and continuing cooperative work with Wyoming, Alaska and Texas.
Representative Barris, sponsor of HB48, said the coalition shares policies among like-minded energy-exporting states to strengthen regional energy security and to provide joint input to Congress. "The purpose of that coalition is to get like minded states together who all had interests in developing their resources, for the purpose of enhancing our regional and energy security," Barris said.
A contested floor amendment from Representative Litvak sought to reinstate wording ensuring "no more than three of the four members shall be from the same political party" to guarantee minority representation; Litvak described the language as critical to minority engagement. Supporters of the sponsor’s change said practical attendance and expertise mattered more than party balance and argued a partisan constraint might limit the pool of available, experienced appointees. The substitute amendment failed in a roll-call division (25–46).
Representative Barris said the coalition's work this first year produced a mission and deliverables and that the effort cost little beyond previously appropriated funds. He emphasized the sponsor's preference for appointing members able to participate actively. HB48 passed the House 57–16 and will go to the Senate.
The debate highlighted a tension between ensuring minority representation on interstate task forces and picking delegates who can commit time and expertise. Supporters called the coalition valuable for sharing policy on issues such as regional haze and carbon management; critics said removing the bipartisan language would diminish minority party voice at the table.
