H.J.R. 12

1

JOINT RESOLUTION SUPPORTING HYDROGEN
2 POWER FROM ADVANCED COAL AND CARBON
3 CAPTURE AND SEQUESTRATION TECHNOLOGY
4 2009 GENERAL SESSION
5 STATE OF UTAH
6 Chief Sponsor: Patrick Painter
7 Senate Sponsor: ____________
8
9 LONG TITLE
10 General Description:
11 This joint resolution of the Legislature supports producing hydrogen from coal with
12 carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology.
13 Highlighted Provisions:
14 This resolution:
15 . expresses support for producing hydrogen from coal with carbon capture and
16 sequestration (CCS) technology as a means of strengthening Utah's economy and
17 helping Utah to stand at the forefront of energy production; and
18 . urges the Public Service Commission to consider authorizing recovery of prudently
19 incurred costs from advanced coal and CCS technology that reduces carbon
20 emissions and improves energy security.
21 Special Clauses:
22 None
23
24 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
25 WHEREAS, coal is one of Utah's most abundant resources and contributes substantially
26 to Utah's economy;
27 WHEREAS, coal is an affordable base load fuel providing reliable electric power;

28 WHEREAS, demonstration of advanced coal technology for power generation can
29 accelerate the development of the hydrogen energy economy in Utah;
30 WHEREAS, producing hydrogen from coal with carbon capture and sequestration
31 (CCS) technology will help protect and grow Utah's economy without sacrificing
32 environmental responsibility;
33 WHEREAS, advanced hydrogen from coal technology and CCS technology as
34 proposed for potential next generation power plants in Utah would produce fewer emissions
35 than the cleanest conventionally fueled power supply currently available;
36 WHEREAS, the new advanced coal technology gasifies coal to produce a mixture of
37 carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and other gases;
38 WHEREAS, the clean burning hydrogen can be used to fuel a power plant and the
39 carbon dioxide can be captured and stored permanently using geologic sequestration
40 technology;
41 WHEREAS, CCS technology provides for the safe removal of carbon dioxide from fuel
42 gases, preventing emission into the atmosphere;
43 WHEREAS, CCS technology will be crucial to reducing emission of carbon dioxide
44 from power plants while still meeting growing energy demand in a responsible manner with
45 domestic fuel;
46 WHEREAS, CCS technology will be important to securing Utah's position as a leader
47 in energy technology and production;
48 WHEREAS, CCS technology will enable Utah to use its abundant coal resources while
49 still meeting potential new regulations limiting carbon emissions and protecting and creating
50 high-paying jobs in Utah;
51 WHEREAS, Utah's geology makes it a safe and ideal place to deploy geologic
52 sequestration technology;
53 WHEREAS, Utah is uniquely positioned to lead and benefit from hydrogen from coal
54 and CCS technology;
55 WHEREAS, Utah's support of hydrogen from coal and CCS technology would place
56 Utah businesses at the forefront of the new hydrogen and carbon economies;
57 WHEREAS, the state welcomes the jobs, tax base, economic enhancements, and
58 leadership position that come with supporting advanced coal technology with CCS;

59 WHEREAS, the Public Service Commission should consider authorizing the recovery
60 of prudently incurred costs that reduce carbon emissions and improve energy security;
61 WHEREAS, the Public Service Commission should consider hydrogen from coal and
62 CCS technology to be a reasonable investment for protecting the long-term interests of Utah's
63 utility rate payers;
64 WHEREAS, the Legislature supports approving cost recovery of prudent investment in
65 these technologies as determined by the Public Service Commission; and
66 WHEREAS, the Legislature supports resolving liability issues stemming from unlikely
67 future adverse effects of sequestered carbon and believes the federal government is in the best
68 position to provide a comprehensive liability solution:
69 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah
70 expresses support for producing hydrogen from coal with carbon capture and sequestration
71 (CCS) technology as a means of strengthening Utah's economy and helping Utah to stand at the
72 forefront of energy production.
73 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature urges the Public Service
74 Commission to consider authorizing recovery of prudently incurred costs that reduce carbon
75 emissions and increase Utah's and the nation's energy security.
76 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature recommends that the Public
77 Service Commission consider hydrogen from coal and CCS technology to be a reasonable
78 investment for protecting the long-term interests of Utah's utility rate payers.
79 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature supports approving cost recovery of
80 prudent investment in these technologies as determined by the Public Service Commission.
81 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to Utah's Energy
82 Advisor, the State Energy Program, the Public Service Commission, and to the members of
83 Utah's congressional delegation.




Legislative Review Note
as of 1-29-09 4:10 PM

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel