The theme for Earth Month 2026 was “Our Power, Our Planet” which may sound global, even abstract. But here in Utah, it’s personal.
We see how winter inversions can turn a beautiful day into a health concern. We see it at the Great Salt Lake, where water levels affect ecosystems, air quality and the regional economy. And we see it in our rising monthly utility bills.
This isn’t about ideology. It’s about how we live.
Across the country and around the world, clean energy is becoming one of the most cost-effective ways to generate electricity. In many places, adding renewable sources has lowered prices, improved grid reliability and attracted business investment. That’s not theoretical — it’s already happening.
Utah is well positioned to benefit. We have abundant sunshine, growing demand for electricity and a long track record of innovation. Expanding clean energy here isn’t just an environmental decision; it’s an economic opportunity.
But opportunity alone isn’t enough. We have to make it easier to act.
One of the biggest barriers to building new energy infrastructure — including clean energy — is the permitting process. Projects that could lower costs and improve reliability often face years of delay due to fragmented, uncertain approval pathways.
Permitting reform should make the process clearer, faster and more predictable so that well-designed projects can move forward while still meeting strong standards. Done right, it reduces costs, speeds deployment and benefits both communities and the economy.
This is an area where Utahns can lead. We understand the importance of balancing development with stewardship. We’ve been doing it for generations.
That’s why citizen engagement matters.
Reaching out to your congressional delegation — Senators Mike Lee and John Curtis, and Representatives Mike Kennedy, Blake Moore, Burgess Owens and Celeste Maloy — is one of the most effective ways to ensure that Utah’s priorities are heard. Thoughtful, respectful communication can influence how policies are shaped, especially when it focuses on shared goals like affordability, reliability and responsible resource use.
This kind of engagement reflects something deeper about Utah. For many, stewardship is not just a policy preference; it’s a value rooted in faith and community. The idea that we are caretakers of the land resonates across traditions. It calls us to use resources wisely, reduce waste and leave things better for the next generation.
That perspective aligns naturally with many of today’s solutions.
Investing in clean energy can reduce long-term costs and strengthen energy independence. Improving water efficiency helps preserve a resource we all depend on. Restoring ecosystems supports both environmental health and economic stability, from agriculture to recreation.
These benefits aren’t abstract. They show up in everyday life — in lower bills, cleaner air and more resilient communities.
And importantly, they are achievable.
Utah has a history of solving difficult challenges. We’ve built thriving communities in a dry climate. We’ve adapted to changing conditions. We’ve found ways to balance growth with quality of life.
That same approach can guide us now.
Earth Month is a reminder of what’s possible when people engage. The first Earth Day in 1970 led to cleaner air, safer water and stronger public health protections — not because of politics alone, but because citizens spoke up and worked together.
Whether it’s supporting local projects, conserving resources at home, or engaging policymakers on practical reforms like permitting, every action contributes to a larger outcome. None of it is wasted.
In the end, this isn’t just about the environment. It’s about building a future that is affordable, stable and sustainable — for Utah and for the country.
That’s what “Our Power, Our Planet” really means.