Utah’s abundant coal and petroleum can be mined, processed, and shipped to market without harming the land and fouling the air and water; Gov. Gary Herbert told some 1,400 gathered Thursday at his annual Energy Development Summit.
The message expressed was in stark contrast with views expressed outside the building, where about 150 protesters argued Utah’s political leaders are selling the state’s world-class landscape to extractive industries looking to exploit fossil fuels.
The crowd of protesters gathered outside the Salt Palace at midday to protest the summit’s focus on fossil fuel-based energy, including tar sands, oil shale and nuclear power. They also promoted renewable alternatives that would mean less impact on the air quality, water resources, public health and climate change, which scientists say is already taking a toll on the snowpack.
Underlying the two views that clashed Thursday at the summit are two opposing resource bases that support Utah’s economic prospects — vast deposits of hydrocarbons and a natural landscape of unparalleled beauty.
One creates high-paying industry jobs, helps meets the nation’s energy needs, and expands local tax bases. The other attracts high-spending tourists, outdoor enthusiasts and creative people key to building a knowledge-based economy.
Utah’s congressional delegation argued federal bureaucrats unnecessarily impede Utah’s ability to develop energy sources within its borders.
Despite these problems, political leaders conceded energy production in Utah is at a 24-year high and growing, driven largely by new technologies that can tap oil and gas in previously unreachable places. The state issued 2,103 drilling permits last year, setting a new record.
The summit continues Friday at the Salt Palace. Salt Lake Tribune
