Corroon Pitches Renewable Energy Incentives

07.22.2010 by Whittney Evans

Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon

(KCPW News) Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon says Utah is lagging behind other states in utilizing renewable energy resources. The gubernatorial candidate says former Governor Jon Huntsman put Utah on the path toward energy independence, but the current administration has slowed that progress. This morning Corroon released his plan for expanding Utah’s energy portfolio if elected governor.

“Utah ranked 3rd worst in renewable friendly policies in a recent report,” he said.  “Utah was one of eight states to lose clean energy jobs over the last ten years and meanwhile in the rest of the West they’re growing clean energy jobs.”

Corroon wants to support constructing buildings that produce as much energy as they consume, and push for the availability of natural gas and clean coal while seeking new clean energy sources.  He says the renewable energy market won’t grow on its own.

“The energy industry is one of the most highly regulated and subsidized industries in the country and we need to spur on that renewable energy economy,” said Corroon.  “It’s the energy of the 21st century and we need to be the leaders here in the state of Utah and unfortunately I think it’s being ignored by our current administration.”

Corroon spoke on the roof of the Discovery Gateway children’s museum in downtown Salt Lake City, where solar panels are used to meet five percent of the museum’s energy needs.  Governor Gary Herbert, Corroon’s opponent in this year’s special election, recently convened a task force on Utah’s energy future.