Dear Editor:
Navigating the Implications of Coal Subsidies: A Call for Environmental and Economic Reflection
Dear Editor:
Navigating the Implications of Coal Subsidies: A Call for Environmental and Economic Reflection
Let’s review the ramifications of Utah legislative decisions regarding coal subsidies. Senate Bills 161 and 224, enacted during the 2024 legislative session, earmarked taxpayer funds to sustain coal-fired plants until 2040. Despite the intentions driving these bills, it’s crucial to recognize their impact on Utahn’s economic and environmental welfare.
Coal-fired plants face substantial economic hurdles, even when disregarding their externalized costs. It’s crucial to assess the lasting consequences of continuing outdated, polluting energy practices … a wide range of health issues, prolonged droughts, extreme wildfires, and mercury/carbon pollution to name a few. And Utahns will bear the burden of higher costs as they subsidize the expenses associated with producing this environmentally harmful energy.
Within these challenges lies a pathway to a brighter future. Encouragingly, individuals, even those with modest means, can take proactive measures toward cleaner, more cost-effective energy solutions. Personal anecdotes, like my own journey with solar energy adoption, highlight the practicality of embracing renewables. In our household, 68% of our energy consumption comes from solar power and that includes almost all our energy requirements for transportation, home heating, and our other numerous uses of energy. Achieving complete energy independence may pose challenges, but every step counts.
Along with personal actions, we urgently need legislative solutions such as permitting reform or a price on carbon.
Please reflect on the implications of the legislative energy decisions and then write or call your local Representative and Senator to voice your concerns. Even if we hold differing viewpoints, let’s unite in our commitment to safeguarding our economy, and health as per Rep Curtis’s advice: Let’s leave the world better off for ourselves and future generations.
Sincerely,
Charles Ashurst
Logan
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