A bill that aims to set a standard for renewable energy use in Utah would require that 25 percent of the electricity mix be from environmentally clean solar, wind, geothermal and biomass by 2025.

Sen. Scott McCoy, D-Salt Lake City, announced the introduction of SB173 on Wednesday, saying that while Utah can expect to continue to use coal as an energy source, "that doesn't mean we shouldn't have our eye on the future."

The bill would create a task force to identify renewable energy development zones, most of which lie in rural areas that need an economic boost. SB173 also would set up a special panel to assist in making sure the clean power gets on the grid.

About 95 percent of energy generated in Utah is coal-fired, including power exported to California. In 2005, all activities in Utah accounted for nearly 76 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions, or 1 percent of the nation's total output, according to a report commissioned by the state Department of Environmental Quality. Utah's greenhouse gas emissions rose by 40 percent between 1990 and 2005; the nationwide rate of emissions rose by 16 percent during that time, the report said.

In June, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. announced he would seek a standard that would require utilities to produce a minimum percentage of their power from renewable sources by a certain date. His comments indicated he would seek 20 percent by 2015.

Huntsman's Blue Ribbon Advisory Council on Climate Change has since suggested hundreds of ways to meet the governor's goals. McCoy said Huntsman's Energy Policy Adviser, Dianne Nielson, has been part of discussions about his bill.

SB173

Would create a task force to identify renewable energy zones; help get clean power on the grid.