The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project awarded Huntsman its 2006 Leadership in Energy Efficiency Award, given annually to policymakers and others who demonstrate a strong commitment to energy conservation.

Huntsman was honored Thursday at Snowbird for his goal to achieve a 20 percent energy efficiency improvement statewide by 2015, thereby making Utah the first state to embrace the energy efficiency goal established by the Western Governors£ Association.

Huntsman's efforts will involve public-private cooperation to advance energy efficiency across the state economy. A key component is educating Utahns about the benefits of cutting back on energy waste.

The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project's aim is to increase energy efficiency in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.