Governor is a drag on drive for clean energy, Corroon says
Salt Lake Tribune
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Peter Corroon outlined an energy plan Thursday that would give tax credits to companies for meeting conservation goals or creating clean-energy jobs.
He also would team with the state’s universities to develop renewables and would seek to bump up the state’s use of natural gas in vehicles and clean-coal technology while helping homeowners become more efficient. The goal is a 10 percent reduction in electricity and natural-gas use, and a 25 percent renewable share of the state’s energy mix by 2025.
Clean-energy development is the next great jobs builder, Corroon predicted at a news conference overlooking solar panels atop Clark Planetarium. Yet he said Utah’s government has done too little to promote development.
“All of our Western neighbors are way ahead of us,” the second-term county mayor said. “Energy is where the computer-technology industry was 30 years ago. We need to be a leader.”
Gov. Gary Herbert’s campaign says his energy plan is substantially similar, though the Republican does not believe tax dollars are the best way to create lasting energy changes. The governor offered a plan last month that he said would reform regulations and enhance resource development and a private-sector technology push “using free-market principles.” Herbert’s goal: energy independence in 10 years.
Corroon said his opponent’s plan is more like a plan to create a plan. He criticized Herbert for what he said was a reduction in momentum for energy efficiency and clean fuels since he took over from former Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.
“We’ve seen the equivalent of a work stoppage,” Corroon said.
Herbert’s campaign spokesman rejected the idea that the governor isn’t pressing energy reforms. Herbert wants to work with Utah’s three big universities — Utah, Utah State and Brigham Young — to create an energy “Research Triangle,” spokesman Don Olsen said. He just doesn’t believe that government support for private purchase of new power sources makes sense. One example is a federal program that repays much of the cost of installing solar panels.
“The governor does not believe federal subsidies are the way to create a permanent, lasting energy policy with permanent, lasting jobs,” Olsen said. “The governor does not believe giving taxpayer money to companies is the way to ensure a lasting infrastructure and lasting jobs.”
Corroon said he believes there is a role for government, starting with low-cost loans for home-efficiency upgrades, which he attempted to get the Legislature to allow last year. That program has some legislative support, he said, and will return.
He also backs tax credits to companies that meet his energy-efficiency goals and favors more renewable-energy projects on state property. He would require the Public Utilities Commission to consider long-term effects in energy-policy questions. He said he wants the state to work with Utah-based science labs such as Utah State University’s Energy Dynamics Laboratory.
The science center does not endorse candidates, but, when contacted after the news conference, Jeff Muhs, the lab’s director, said dozens of scientists there are working with other universities and national laboratories on numerous technologies that could help state officials meet energy efficiency and self-sufficiency goals.
For instance, scientists at the lab are working on “intuitive lighting” sensors that continually monitor workplaces to adjust lighting within a room so it’s only bright in the direction where workers are focused. It could create substantial savings for state and other offices, Muhs said, and should be ready for testing in a couple of years.
The lab also works on ways to tap Utah’s alternative-petroleum sources, such as oil shale, and on an algae biofuel, which can be grown in saltwater.
Corroon hopes to pursue more coal, oil and gas development in the state, too, focusing on technologies to clean up coal emissions and incentives to add more compressed natural-gas fueling stations. He also calls for a temporary state tax moratorium on CNG fuel purchases.
