Representative Rebecca P. Edwards proposes the following substitute bill:


1     
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON ENVIRONMENTAL AND

2     
ECONOMIC STEWARDSHIP

3     
2018 GENERAL SESSION

4     
STATE OF UTAH

5     
Chief Sponsor: Rebecca P. Edwards

6     
Senate Sponsor: Todd Weiler

7     

8     LONG TITLE
9     General Description:
10          This resolution encourages the responsible stewardship of natural resources and
11     reduction of emissions through incentives and support of the growth in technologies
12     and services that will enlarge the economy.
13     Highlighted Provisions:
14          This bill:
15          ▸     acknowledges Utah's tradition of stewardship, innovation, ingenuity, and problem
16     solving;
17          ▸     recognizes the need for responsible stewardship and prudent management of natural
18     resources;
19          ▸     recognizes the impacts of a changing climate on Utah citizens;
20          ▸     expresses commitment to create and support economically viable and broadly
21     supported solutions, including in rural communities;
22          ▸     encourages the use and analysis of sound science to understand the causes and
23     impacts of local and regional climates;
24          ▸     encourages resilient ecosystems that can better adapt to our changing environment;
25     and

26          ▸     encourages the reduction of emissions through incentives and the support of growth
27     in technologies and services that enlarge the economy.
28     Money Appropriated in this Bill:
29          None
30     Other Special Clauses:
31          None
32     

33     Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
34          WHEREAS, Utah has a tradition of supporting good stewardship of our land, air, and
35     water;
36          WHEREAS, Utah is a leader in technological innovation, ingenuity in problem-solving,
37     and working together to create solutions;
38          WHEREAS, preservation of Utah's economic longevity and role as a leader in fiscal
39     responsibility depends on prudent management of natural resources;
40          WHEREAS, protection, conservation, and reasonable management of the natural
41     environment are essential principles of responsible stewardship;
42          WHEREAS, Utah recognizes the inherent worth of our natural resources, in addition to
43     their economic value, in their contribution to our identity and their role in inspiring creativity,
44     strengthening families, and providing for future generations;
45          WHEREAS, the Department of Health has issued a report outlining the increased risk
46     of extreme weather events, including wildfires, water scarcity, and flooding;
47          WHEREAS, the Department of Health has reported an increase in the prevalence of
48     health concerns such as elevated asthma rates and other respiratory illnesses as a potential
49     consequence of a changing climate;
50          WHEREAS, the impacts of a changing climate may negatively affect Utah citizens and
51     impair productivity in key economic areas;
52          WHEREAS, any efforts to mitigate the risks of, prepare for, or otherwise address our
53     changing climate and its effects should not constrain the economy nor its global
54     competitiveness; and
55          WHEREAS, Utah recognizes that stewardship includes fostering and maintaining
56     resilient ecosystems that have the capacity to adapt to our changing environment:

57          NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
58     Governor concurring therein, commits to working constructively, using our heritage of
59     technological ingenuity, innovation, and leadership to create and support economically viable
60     and broadly supported private and public solutions, including in rural communities.
61          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we should prioritize our understanding and use of
62     sound science to address causes of a changing climate and support innovation and
63     environmental stewardship in order to realize positive solutions.
64          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor encourage
65     individuals, corporations, and state agencies to reduce emissions through incentives and
66     support of the growth in technologies and services that will enlarge our economy in a way that
67     is both energy efficient and cost effective.
68          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the members of
69     Utah's congressional delegation.