Gubernatorial hopeful pushes renewable energy

Utah energy self-sufficiency highlights plans to expand natural gas stations, solar panels, wind power, and coal, addressing air quality, emissions, jobs, and education while narrowing the petroleum gap and boosting local economic development.

Democrat Peter Corroon launched his gubernatorial bid by saying Utah should become energy independent within 10 years by investing in renewable energy.

"While our federal government talks about it, Utah can achieve it," the mayor of Salt Lake County said in a speech officially announcing his candidacy. "We can and should become self-sustaining like the pioneers before us."

Utah has an abundance of energy resources — including coal, natural gas and modern wind energy technologies — to meet the goal, he said.

Department of Energy statistics show Utah already produces more energy than it consumes, reflecting broader Western alternative-energy trends that vary by sector, but not in every category.

For instance, the state produces about 19.5 million barrels of petroleum a year amid a nearby South Dakota energy boom that offers a cautionary tale while consuming 55.7 million barrels.

"That's a pretty big gap," said Rayola Dougher, senior economic analyst for the American Petroleum Institute. "It's not realistic or realizable for Utah" to meet its own petroleum needs.

However, she said states should look to their resources to keep more jobs and money at home.

Corroon's push for greater investment in renewable resources such as wind development came as the state experienced its third straight day of having the worst air quality in the nation, making it unhealthy for elderly people and children with breathing problems to be outside.

Much of that pollution is the result of automobile emissions.

In an interview following his speech from the steps of Salt Lake Community College, Corroon said he doesn't want to restrict the availability of any resources.

"It's about expanding natural gas stations in Utah.... It's about using solar panels on buildings so buildings can create their own energy," Corroon said. "It means that in Utah, we can supply enough of those energy resources to take care of our own demand."

Corroon said he wants state government to support job creation in the energy sector. He also promised a greater investment in education to help drive economic and energy development, including a solar research center model to spur innovation.

Corroon is challenging Republican Gov. Gary Herbert in a special election to complete the term of Jon Huntsman.

Huntsman resigned in August to become U.S. ambassador to China, handing over the reins to Herbert, who had served as lieutenant governor since 2005.

Democrats believe Corroon is their best chance to win a gubernatorial election since Scott Matheson did so in 1980.

Corroon has maintained high approval in the state's most populous county by developing a reputation as a fiscal conservative. He won a second term in 2008 with 66 percent of the vote but isn't well known outside the county.

Both candidates believe promoting energy and economic development, even as questions about nuclear and coal credits persist in policy debates, could lead to victory at the polls. Herbert highlighted those themes during his inauguration speech.

Neither Herbert or Corroon was expected to face any challengers within their own parties.

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