As global energy markets charge ahead toward an innovative clean energy future, Utah has a choice to make: will we continue our proud legacy as an energy leader by embracing the opportunities of a new energy era, or risk being left behind? From federal freezes on clean energy funding to local policy roadblocks, our energy future is at a tipping point. The choice is ours, let’s build a future that is cleaner, stronger, and full of opportunity!
Utah’s solar, wind, and geothermal resources are the envy of the West. Unleashing them maintains Utah’s competitive edge while attracting new investment, securing affordable energy, and a resilient, reliable energy system that benefits all Utahns.
Too many of our leaders are backing away from harnessing our incredible clean energy resources, and in doing so, we risk ceding our competitive advantage on a regional and global scale.
The Price of Falling Behind
This isn’t just about keeping pace, it’s about leading. Global investment in renewables and energy storage is skyrocketing. Places like Utah, with an abundance of clean energy, stand to reap billions in investment. Utah has the resources, the talent, and the pioneering spirit to be at the forefront of a new energy era.
On the other hand, failing to harness these assets will mean Utah loses its position as a competitive energy leader, we miss out on tremendous financial opportunities, and worst of all, we saddle Utah families and businesses with outdated, costly, and polluting energy systems.
Setting the Record Straight
There are misconceptions that investments in clean energy are more costly than other resources, that they will result in an unreliable energy grid, or that we just don’t have enough to meet energy demand. Let’s clear things up.
Fact: Clean energy has low and locked-in prices
Study after study shows that the cost of building new solar and wind is cheaper than any other new energy resource.
Best of all, solar, wind, and geothermal are not subject to volatile fuel price swings or global pressures. They offer stable, predictable costs that protect families and businesses from future price hikes.
Utah has the resources, the talent, and the pioneering spirit to be at the forefront of the new energy era.
Fact: Clean energy is reliable energy
The word is out – electricity demand is booming, and we need to meet this demand reliably.
And yes, the sun isn’t always shining, and the wind isn’t always blowing. Fair point. This is where energy storage comes in, allowing us to leverage a combination of solar, wind, geothermal, storage, energy efficiency, and yes some fossil fuels. Together, this winning combination ensures that we really can have it all – affordable, reliable, cutting-edge energy.
Fact: Clean energy is faster to build
Hundreds of megawatts of energy are waiting to be unleashed into our grid, 97% of which is local, clean energy. Solar, wind, battery storage, energy efficiency, and grid-enhancing technologies can be built faster than other energy resources to help meet Utah’s growing energy needs today.
Fact: Clean energy helps rural Utah communities
Clean energy projects are an important economic driver for rural Utah communities. Lease payments for current projects provide $14.2 million per year in revenue to farmers, ranchers, and private landowners in Utah. They also bring tens of thousands in local property tax revenue every year.
We’ve Only Just Scratched the Surface
Clean energy is already benefiting Utah and our nation, bringing investments, jobs, and making our nation stronger and more secure. But this is just the beginning. Imagine the possibilities if we fully unleash Utah’s clean energy potential and position our state at the forefront of the new energy era!
Imagine the possibilities if we fully unleash Utah’s clean energy potential and position our state as a leader in the new energy era.
Call to Action: We Must Protect National Clean Energy Investments
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act strengthened our country’s clean energy momentum, igniting an economic boom in clean energy deployment and manufacturing, especially in conservative and Republican-leaning states.
Congress is considering a budget and tax package that could strip vital clean energy tax credits and programs, undercutting America’s leadership in the global clean energy race. If we stall progress now, other countries will seize the opportunity, reaping the economic and technological benefits while we fall behind.
Your voice matters! Tell your congressional representatives that you want more clean energy in Utah. Urge them to protect the clean energy tax credits and programs that are driving innovation, jobs, and a stronger future for our state and country.
We would like to clarify that Utah Clean Energy is not a solar company. We are a nonprofit organization that advocates for solar and other clean energy technologies, but we do not install or sell solar in any way.