It was a fast-paced, jam-packed 45-day legislative session in Utah. As the policy team for one of Utah’s leading clean energy advocacy groups, Utah Clean Energy, we’re thinking it’s time to celebrate the end of a whirlwind session.
First, we’re going to buy a Tesla from the Salt Lake City store, drive it to Logan and West High Schools to take the student climate leaders out for a spin and then head home to check on our new solar installs! OK, maybe not all that, but with how things shook out for clean energy and climate, it’s tempting.
Let’s start with the landmark legislation acknowledging the risks of climate change, led by Rep. Rebecca Edwards. The resolution is titled HCR7 Concurrent Resolution on Economic and Environmental Stewardship, and involved Edwards admirably teaming up with students from Logan High School and West High School to put climate change on the books in Utah at long last.
The resolution commits the Legislature and the governor to the “use of sound science to address causes of a changing climate and support innovation and environmental stewardship in order to realize positive solutions.” The passage of this legislation represents a significant step forward in our state policymakers’ discussions about the challenges climate change poses to our state and the solutions to address them.
Utah Clean Energy’s mission is to empower Utah communities to transition to sources of clean energy, like solar, so we’re delighted with two bills passing that will help Utah families get their power from solar energy. HB 261, Renewable Energy Amendments, by Rep. John Knotwell, enables Rocky Mountain Power to either construct or own a solar energy facility in a way that preserves market competition between the utility and private solar developers. Over 75 percent of Utah’s electricity generation currently comes from coal, so this bill should enable Rocky Mountain Power to harness Utah’s amazing solar resource and answer customer demands to add more renewable energy to our mix.
Also on the solar front, SB141, Electric Energy Amendments, by Sen. Curt Bramble passed. This bill revives the tax credit for rooftop solar owners for the next several years, keeping the tax credit at $1,600 through 2020 before it phases out by 2024.
We have to mention the passage of HB369, Auto Dealership License Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Kim Coleman. Now anyone who wants to buy a Tesla can not only test drive from a Tesla store, but also can buy directly from there as well.
Electric vehicles (EVs) did take a hit through the SB136, Transportation Governance Amendments, sponsored by Sen. Wayne Harper. We acknowledge that this bill takes some positive steps towards increased transit funding. But, unfortunately, it also includes new fees for EV owners. EV’s have no tailpipe emissions, making them great for air quality, particularly when coupled with solar. When Utahns are taking personal steps to improve air quality by purchasing a clean vehicle, tacking on another fee is misguided.
Utah Clean Energy presented alternative proposals to improve the bill and we had an impact. The fees for electric vehicles fell from $156 to $120 and are now phased in over three years. Moreover, a legislative appropriations bill directs the Utah Department of Transportation to invest up to $200,000 (roughly equal to the amount collected through the new fees each year) in new electric vehicle charging infrastructure. While the bill is still not perfect, we’ll take the improvements.
It’s been a legislative session to remember and we applaud all legislators who played a role in the positive clean energy, climate and air quality reforms.
John Craft and Kevin Emerson | Utah Clean Energy
Josh Craft and Kevin Emerson are on the staff of Utah Clean Energy.