Our changing climate impacts every Utah family. That’s why last week’s Fourth Annual Conservative Climate Summit, hosted by Sen. John Curtis, matters. I’ve attended every summit, and Curtis’s goal has been clear: bring conservatives to the table to lead on practical climate solutions. Neither Sen. Curtis nor keynote speaker U.S. Secretary of Energy Wright disputed that the past decade has been the warmest on record worldwide. Their focus was on innovative solutions while reflecting conservative values.
To meet the expected increased energy demand, all viable energy sources must be considered. Curtis emphasizes that energy should be affordable, reliable and clean. In the Mountain West, wind and solar meet those standards. With abundant sunshine, wind and open land, these resources are practical and profitable. Paired with storage and transmission, they can be reliable — yet surprisingly, these cheaper and more available options received little attention at the summit.
Sen. Curtis deserves credit for involving conservatives in climate discussions. Utahns want leaders who champion innovation, protect our land and provide energy that is safe, healthy and economical. By embracing all practical solutions and letting free markets work, conservatives can lead — demonstrating that caring for the land we cherish is a truly conservative principle.
David Ryser
Sandy