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There is one overriding reason why Utah should be a member of the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), and not just an observer of the process now underway to develop a regional strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By being a member of WCI, Utah has a strong voice in the ongoing debate over global warming, as well as a significant vote in whatever regional decisions are made to deal with it.
For that reason, Governor Huntsman should reject a resolution passed by the Utah House of Representatives calling for the state's withdrawal from the Western Climate Initiative.
Obviously, a majority of Utah's house members don't like the idea of joining with seven other western states and four Canadian provinces to "identify, evaluate, and implement collective and cooperative ways to reduce greenhouse gases in the region." They're especially concerned, with justification, of the impact future so-called "cap and trade" policies would have on Utah's coal industry and the ability to generate relatively low-cost electric power.
Regardless, a vigorous movement is underway to address concerns about global warming. As we said, it is better to be a key player in regional efforts to develop a strategy, than merely assuming the role of observer while waiting for others to make the decisions.
