Earth’s hottest year in human history was 2023; trends suggest that 2024 is unlikely to be cooler. Our warming planet means less snow, more rain, early runoff, and less water for our reservoirs which provide drinking water and irrigation. Utah relies on snow for 95% of its water supply and our snow sports industry. As James Westwater observed, the solution to pollution and our overheating planet is “highly motivated, capable, governmental leaders who will … pass strong, fair, effective and readily enforceable legislation.”
It is unfortunate that Utah State University student Ryan Smith promotes the “us versus them” approach that conservative Republicans have all the solutions and Democrats promote irresponsible policies. That approach is contrary to Gov. Spencer Cox’s “disagree better” policy and is unlikely to help us stop the alarming warming of our planet. Continuing to promote fossil fuels, as Smith suggests, is not the solution.
Policies that both Republicans and Democrats can support: reducing our dependence on fossil fuels with a carbon fee and dividend, electrifying our buildings, and reforming America’s clean energy permitting process are the practical climate solutions of the nonpartisan Citizens Climate Lobby.
To address the climate emergency each Utahn needs to contact their members of Congress to urge them to support transmission permitting reform to make America’s energy grid more resilient and reliable. Specifically, ask them to support the Big Wires Act which would:
We can and should work together to fight climate change, benefiting customers and businesses while coming together to ensure our future.
Jean M. Lown, Logan
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