Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert signaled Monday that, once he becomes governor, he will stick to the same path on environmental issues as his predecessor -- even though they have disagreed on the high-profile issue of climate change.
That means, if Gov. Jon Huntsman is confirmed as ambassador to China as expected and Herbert becomes the state's chief executive, the Utah governor's office will continue to:
» Participate in the Western Climate Initiative to fight climate change;
» Fight EnergySolutions' plans to use its disposal site for low-level radioactive waste from foreign nations; and
» Support key staff, including Amanda Smith, whom The Tribune has learned is Huntsman's nominee to head the state's Department of Environmental Quality.
Herbert said in a news conference Monday he and Huntsman have always agreed on "core issues."
"We understand the importance of clean air and clean water and being good stewards of the Earth."
Though Herbert has said he does not believe in man-made climate change, he told reporters, "I have no plans to pull us out" of the bipartisan cap-and-trade program being developed by Western states, a move called for by some conservative Republican legislators.
He pledged to discuss the issue with fellow governors. Yet, he noted his concern that controlling pollution blamed for climate change will increase energy prices and drive jobs overseas.
"We need to be thoughtful as we move forward," Herbert said.
In addition, Herbert cited concerns about conserving disposal capacity for domestic radioactive waste as a key reason to oppose foreign waste.
"We have been very consistent on saying that we don't think we want to have foreign waste imported into Utah," he said.
The Salt Lake City-based nuclear waste company EnergySolutions Inc. won a federal court ruling last week that would allow it to use its Tooele County disposal site for low-level radioactive waste from foreign countries. The governor and a regional organization Utah belongs to have yet to decide whether to appeal.
Herbert also said Monday he doesn't intend to sever a 2007 "gentlemen's agreement" that prevents EnergySolutions from expanding.
"I have no plans to change anything Governor Huntsman has done with regards to EnergySolutions," Herbert told reporters.
The governor-in-waiting referred to EnergySolutions as a "good corporate citizen."
The feelings are apparently mutual.
In a statement Saturday to The Tribune , EnergySolutions CEO Steve Creamer said he has "worked with [Herbert] for many years. He will make an outstanding governor and [I] look forward to continuing our great working relationship."
Herbert also said he would make no changes to Huntsman's Cabinet, even an appointee who has yet to be confirmed -- Smith, who is being proposed to take over the state agency that oversees clean air, land and water programs.
Smith, expected to be officially named today has worked with community groups, businesses and lawmakers as Huntsman's legislative director.
The Senate could confirm her as soon as Wednesday. Senators meeting in a special session would have to take a vote to suspend their rules to consider her appointment within a 15-day limit typically required for nominations.
"It will be a great way to put a fine tune on the work we have been doing" in Huntsman's administration, Smith said, "and to make sure going forward we can implement the policies of the Legislature and the governor."
Do you support the importation of foreign nuclear waste to Utah?
"No. We've been very consistent on saying we don't think we want to have foreign waste imported into Utah. And the reason for that is very simple: we have plenty of domestic waste. Although I think EnergySolutions has been by and large a good corporate citizen doing what they do, we only have limited space out there for waste, and we ought to use it for our own."
Do you support civil unions for gays?
"I do not. I supported Amendment 3. I voted for Amendment 3 and for me, at least, the debate is over in Utah. The Constitution has been changed and amended. I do believe we have due respect given to all people of Utah and we ought to conduct ourselves that way. In my faith, we believe we are all brothers and sisters of a loving heavenly father and we ought to treat each other that way."
On the Cabinet:
"It's hard to be better than number one, but we're going to continue to move in that direction. Our priorities remain the same. I've asked all the Cabinet members to stay on. There's not going to be any big shake-up or big changes. We're not going to veer to the left or right."
