Scripps Howard News Service reported today that a Vernal, Utah coal plant under consideration on federally regulated Native American land has received permit clearance from the EPA. While I understand the need to keep the engine of commerce moving with new power sources, I am very concerned about the publicity fallout such action brings to Utah’s doorstep.  

As I recently discussed with Utah Governor Huntsman’s Energy Advisor, Dianne Nielson, Utah has a great opportunity to position itself as a leader in environmental sustainability. This move by the EPA may hurt this cause. Dianne indicated that

Utah has two other coal burning plants under review now with the issue of carbon recapture as a key hurdle the power plants need to effectively address prior to construction. Not only do I hope these other two plants get it right with new technology to lower carbon dioxide emissions, but I hope that Utah can make its voice known loud and clear on the Vernal plant.  

The EPA supposedly received added clout from a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding carbon dioxide emissions. Sounds like the EPA is failing to “lead” and set an example for future proposed power plants.  Utah must raise its voice loud enough to be heard in Washington DC on this issue. We must raise the level of expectation regarding the state’s environment and use a bigger PR megaphone if

Utah wants to be seen as an environmental leader.  Governor Huntsman should consider a public response to this disturbing news. Lead…Lead…Lead!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 5th, 2007 at 1:43 pm and is filed under Green PR. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.