We, the undersigned students and youth of Utah, are writing to express our support for HCR 11, the Concurrent Resolution Supporting the Utah Roadmap for Positive Solutions and Leadership on Climate and Air Quality. As students of Utah, we support movements to improve air quality, increase the respiratory health of our communities, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We therefore urge the Rules Committee to assign HCR 11 to a standing committee, in order to give Utah students an opportunity to publicly testify in support of this resolution. Assigning HCR11 to a committee will grant elected leaders the opportunity to have a timely and meaningful dialogue on the ideas outlined in the Utah Roadmap.  

The 2019 Utah Legislature, at the request of students from across the state, asked the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute to create solutions for Utah’s air quality and changing climate. The result was the Utah Roadmap. This policy recommendation formally recognizes the impacts air quality and climate disruption have on Utahns and those across the globe. It provides expert-recommended solutions that will make Utah a leader in environmental stewardship. These solutions capitalize on the expansion of the renewable energy sector, specifically electric vehicles, to keep Utah’s economy resilient throughout this period of energy transition.

Twenty-three states, including Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado have already adopted specific greenhouse gas reduction targets to address climate change and air quality. Utah has made great strides in carbon reduction; however, we believe, and the Roadmap demonstrates, that a healthy future for all Utahns requires further innovation and behavioral alterations. We know that the window for action is shrinking quickly and urge the legislature to adopt HCR 11 this session to attain a more sustainable and resilient Utah community.

By voting in favor of this bill, you are voting to better the lives of young Utahns and future generations.