Utah House adopts resolution urging state-led response to EPA Clean Power Plan

The Utah House of Representatives on March 3 adopted HJR 19, a joint resolution supporting the state's response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed Clean Power Plan.

Sponsor Representative Carlos Handy distributed a cover letter from Gov. Gary Herbert and told colleagues the resolution was meant to "call attention to the proposed rule" and urge that states be allowed to address the issue on their own. "Utah's concerns are that the Clean Power Plan is excessively wide and deep," Handy said, arguing that federal targets could produce perverse results among states with differing generation mixes.

Supporters stressed both the need for clean air and concern about federal overreach. "No one has any objections to clean air," Representative Brad King said. "But what the EPA has done here has, in my humble opinion, been an overreach." Representative Mike Noel said the resolution was meant to protect local economies and communities reliant on coal-fired generation.

Debate touched on technical and economic claims: Handy cited state energy data, saying "81% of Utah's electric generation in 2013 came from coal" and that Utah's average electricity price was lower than the national average. Members discussed the role of renewables and legal authority; Representative Briscoe noted the Supreme Court has affirmed EPA authority to regulate carbon emissions while urging attention to renewable goals.

The House voted 67 in favor, 5 opposed. The resolution will be transmitted to the Senate for its consideration.