This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Myron Wilson's "Clearing the air on U. position on sustainability" (Opinion, May 27) not only cleared the air figuratively, but it also provided a vision of what is possible for clean air and energy in our future. The University of Utah's commitment to be carbon-free by 2050 sends a compelling message that a clean energy future is possible.
Unfortunately, many Utah legislators don't embrace this vision. They emphasize mining tar sands and oil shale over development of solar, wind, geothermal and other clean energy sources. The 2010 Utah Legislature's joint resolution on climate change, HJR012, reads like a page out of a climate change skeptic's handbook.
A future with clean energy can rid us of air pollution, create energy independence, lessen our impact on climate change, yet let our economy grow and thrive. To get there, we need to elect representatives who share this vision.
During the upcoming elections, voters should ask candidates: How will you support development of clean energy in our state and nation? If we elect representatives who support a carbon-free future, our state and nation can be largely powered by clean energy in 2050, just like the University of Utah.
David Folland
Sandy