HEAL Utah Calls for Accelerated Transition to Clean Energy Amidst Rocky Mountain Power’s Delayed Coal Phase-Out

Salt Lake City, UT (April 2) – Utah continues to rely heavily on coal and gas production to meet our electricity needs despite clear evidence that air pollution from fossil fuels harms our health and is the dominant cause of climate change. Coal and gas production not only contributes to local pollution, where it is produced and used, but emissions from fossil fuels are a contributing factor in extreme weather events like wildfires, drought, and heat waves. Utah’s ongoing reliance on fossil fuels has the potential to cause lasting harm to Utah’s environment, our economy, and the health of our communities.

HEAL Utah expresses deep disappointment and concern in response to Rocky Mountain Power’s recent announcement to extend the operations of their coal-fired power plants in Utah by a full decade to 2042. The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process, conducted every two years, is meant to efficiently and cost-effectively plan for future energy needs. However, this latest update to the IRP delays the closure of coal-fired power plants Hunter and Huntington and is a major setback for our clean energy future and our economy. In addition, it is particularly disappointing to see Pacificorp renege on its commitment to purchase more renewable energy when we are in the middle of an ongoing air quality and climate crisis.  

With its tremendous renewable energy potential, Utah has the opportunity to lead the way on renewable energy, rather than falling further behind. The National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) has identified Utah as being within the top seven states in terms of solar potential. Utah is similarly well suited for developments in wind and geothermal energy. In order to realize this potential,  we must reduce our reliance on expensive fossil fuels and accelerate our shift to cost-effective, renewable energy sources like solar and wind combined with energy storage. The time to do this is now, when we have historical opportunities to benefit from federal programs to invest in workers, in energy communities, and in cleaner generation.  

It is evident that Rocky Mountain Power is prioritizing coal at the expense of Utah ratepayers and communities. These backward-looking decisions risk leaving communities and workers behind who could be planning for and benefiting from clean energy investments, while placing a greater cost burden on ratepayers. 

Utah’s recent legislative session demonstrated a lack of seriousness in diversifying our energy needs. Several bills focused on investing in and promoting fossil fuel energy production, while   neglecting the imperative to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

Reports from 2022 show that coal comprises 57% of Utah’s energy generation, while solar and wind contribute less than 10% and 2% respectively. We must prioritize a transition to cleaner energy sources to safeguard our future and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Ultimately, building an inclusive clean energy future that isn’t reliant on fossil fuels is crucial for reducing pollution, creating new jobs, and ensuring a sustainable and healthy future for all Utahns.

##Salt Lake City, UT – HEAL Utah is proud to announce its selection as a 2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee. Out of more than 3,300 applications from across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, HEAL Utah was chosen as one of only 343 grantees.

This prestigious quick-action grant supports HEAL Utah’s mission to foster healthy, equitable, and livable communities in Salt Lake City and beyond. As the state’s population ages, ensuring equitable access to green spaces, public and active transportation, and safe, healthy, livable environments is more important than ever. HEAL Utah’s project focuses on addressing the needs of residents aged 50+ and ensuring their voices are central to city and transit planning.

“We are incredibly proud that AARP selected HEAL Utah for this investment to ensure we have safe and healthy public and active transportation options for residents of all ages,” said Lexi Tuddenham, Executive Director of HEAL Utah. “AARP is a nationwide leader in making communities more livable, and we are honored that they see the tangible value this project will bring to our area.”

About the AARP Community Challenge

The AARP Community Challenge grant program funds innovative, quick-action projects that drive change in areas like public spaces, housing, transportation, digital connectivity, and community resilience. With additional funding from Toyota Motor North America, the program is expanding its focus on pedestrian safety projects to improve streets and sidewalks, create vibrant pedestrian infrastructure, and engage local communities.

AARP’s Livable Communities initiative aims to make neighborhoods, towns, cities, and counties great places for people of all ages. The program focuses on safe, walkable streets, affordable and accessible housing and transportation options, access to essential services, and opportunities for residents to participate fully in community life. For more information about the AARP Community Challenge and to explore the 343 projects funded this year, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge.

HEAL Utah’s AARP-Funded Project

HEAL Utah’s project will use capacity-building events and walk audits to understand and support the transportation needs of residents aged 50+. These efforts will provide meaningful community engagement opportunities, where participants can share their transportation challenges and be involved in local planning decisions. Through this initiative, HEAL Utah will promote public health, clean air, and a safer transit environment while strengthening existing communities and enhancing the features that make neighborhoods unique.

Upcoming Community Events

HEAL Utah is excited to offer upcoming events like the Week Without Driving and Community Walk Audits. Residents who participate will have the opportunity to win gift cards and other prizes. For more details and to stay informed about future events, sign up for HEAL Utah’s email list and follow us on social media.

To learn more about HEAL Utah’s involvement in the AARP Community Challenge and upcoming community activities, visit healutah.org/aarp.