Boost renewable energy in Utah

The Utah Legislature needs to pass some tax incentives for renewable energy. Utahns are already demonstrating support for renewable energy with the growing subscription to Utah Power's Blue Sky program.

The money from Blue Sky, however, is going to Wyoming, where Utah Power buys its wind energy. Last year the Wyoming Legislature passed favorable tax incentives to promote wind energy in Wyoming, putting Utah at a competitive disadvantage in the bidding process for landing multimillion-dollar wind projects.

The money paid for renewable power by Utah citizens is best spent in Utah to help Utah's economy. Wind power is projected to be the largest producer of new jobs in the 21st century, and most neighboring states have already passed similar tax incentives and directives to help kick-start renewable energy development.

PacifiCorp and Utah Power have announced intentions to contract for 1,400 megawatts of renewable energy in the coming decade, and 40 percent of their customers live in Utah. If Utah were to receive 40 percent of this development (560 megawatts), it could infuse $560 million into the Utah economy -- a potential boon to rural areas where the help is most needed.

The Legislature has the power to make a difference for Utah. To be competitive with Wyoming, Utah needs comparable tax incentives for renewable energy.

Michael Adams

Orem