Report Says Cap and Trade Programs to be Costly to Utah

None by Eric Ray

(KCPW News) Utah will have to participate heavily in cap-and-trade agreements with other states if it hopes to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to standards set by the Western States Climate Initiative. And that could cost the state billions of dollars according to a new study from the Utah Farm Bureau Federation.

Randy Parker, Chief Executive Officer of the Utah Farm Bureau, says the cost of cap-and-trade agreements for Utah will be high because of its heavy reliance on carbon based energy development. Parker says rather than participate in cap-and-trade policies, lawmakers should implement a tax policy on carbon output.

Governor Jon Huntsman understands the cost of reducing greenhouse gas emissions may be high, but he says quote "the alternative is we do nothing." He adds Utah's approach to climate change must include new technologies. Huntsman announced today that the federal government will spend $67 million in Utah over the next decade developing the ability to store carbon emissions underground.

To listen to longer conversations with Huntsman and Parker, download of podcast of today's Midday Metro program here.

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