What was missing from the recent Tribune article on Utah’s rock bottom electricity prices was the tremendous geothermal potential in Utah. Unlike wind and solar, which don’t operate 24/7 and depend on battery storage backup, geothermal delivers energy 24/7/365.
By adapting fracking technology and workforce skills, geothermal can be the bedrock of Utah’s clean energy future. Coal jobs belong to the 19th century; geothermal, wind and solar provide careers for the 21st century.
Caring about livable neighborhoods and communities means taking action. Join the Citizens’ Climate Lobby in urging Sen. John Curtis to co- sponsor Sen. Mike Lee’s Geothermal Energy Optimization Act. And urge all of our members of Congress to retain the climate friendly legislation already passed by Congress. Clean energy tax credits are boosting the economy while cutting pollution — so they must stay in place.
We also need to reform our federal energy transmission permitting process so we can build and connect new energy projects quickly and safely. More than 95% of new energy projects currently awaiting permits are for clean energy like solar, wind and battery storage. Let’s get them online.
Jean M. Lown, Logan
