Utah Gov. Gary Herbert signed into law a landmark climate change resolution, HCR 007 Concurrent Resolution on Environmental and Economic Stewardship, which recognizes the reality of climate change, the impact of human activity, and the state’s opportunities to respond. At the signing, he was joined by the student coalitions, local advocacy organizations, and Utah businesses. The measure was championed by EcoRighter Rep. Rebecca Edwards at the behest of student groups who had advocated for her leadership. She and her Senate sponsor, Sen. Todd Weiler, worked tirelessly to assure the climate change resolution would pass.
“This resolution shows us that climate change is a nonpartisan issue that can no longer be ignored,” Edwards said, calling the climate change resolution “groundbreaking for our state, but to successfully tackle the effects that a changing climate has on our economy and health, we need to continue to collaborate across party lines.”
Supporters included: Rocky Mountain Power, Rio Tinto, Utah Solar Energy Association, Ski Utah, the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, the Utah Technology Council, and the Citizens Climate Lobby. The resolution reverses a 2010 measure implying that climate change science was a conspiracy and urging the Environmental Protection Agency to stop all carbon dioxide reduction policies and programs. Watch the report below. Congrats, Utahns!