The Salt Lake Chamber, Utah’s largest and longest-standing statewide business association, applauds Governor Gary R. Herbert for launching the formal planning process of the Utah Energy Initiative, today.

The creation of a 10-year Strategic Energy Initiative will maximize the economic benefit of Utah’s abundant natural resources and ensure low-cost energy resources that benefit all Utahns, including businesses that operate in our state.

Utah businesses and consumers enjoy some of the lowest cost energy in the nation. This access to low cost energy is a key incentive for businesses to expand in Utah and for those looking to locate in the state. Rapid growth in the demand for energy coupled with potential environmental regulations are leading to higher costs for energy, which in turn could negatively impact the state’s competitive position for job creation, attraction, and retention.

To sustain the state’s economic growth the state must establish policies with respect to economic development, energy development, energy efficiency, regulation, facilities siting, and the environment that recognize the importance of adequate low cost energy supplies to the state’s future.