We are extremely disappointed by Utah Republican candidates who are in favor of deregulation of environmental standards and support the dangerous practice of fracking to extract fossil fuels. Deregulation of existing rules endangers our health and will contribute to global warming. Fracking has been proven to be extremely harmful. Fracking takes millions of gallons of water that is permanently poisoned with deadly chemicals. There is no way to stop the water from creeping into drinking water. We are a desert state with limited water resources. We do not have the water to carelessly use in such a deadly manner.
Republican governor candidate Jon Huntsman suggested renewable energy sources are not yet cost-effective. How can anyone know if it is cost-effective when there has been no effort to make it cost-effective? Utah’s economy does not have to depend on becoming a toxic waste dump. Tourism has proven to bring millions of dollars to our state — unlike fossil fuels, which is not a sustainable fuel source. Tourism is a resource that is renewable and will benefit rural communities.
Brent and Mary Jones, Woodland