Texas is currently generating 5300 megawatts of wind energy. They project to have 18,500 megawatts within a few years. That would easily cover Utah's projected shortages. Wind can provide more of our power than you editorial suggests. It certainly can't provide all, but we should be installing wind turbines as quickly as possible.

Ironic that this editorial comes but one day after France's "nuclear incidents" were reported in the world media. Yes, the leakage of uranium into France's water supply is considered "minor" in terms of safety (just can't drink the stuff -- that's all!), but it does put a dent into the belief that France as somehow "solved" all the safety issues associated with nuclear power. And it is reported that France is going to undergo a complete assessment of his safety processes for its nuclear power. The bottom line for Utah is that we too will have to climb a very steep learning curve -- encouraging Rocky Mountain or the coops to add nuclear expertise to their staff, dealing with waste, shipping the waste through major cities via railroad to where ever, etc. And yes, its going to cost the rate payer! With coal subject to a carbon tax/cap-and-trade restrictions soon, Utah needs to develop resources that won't escalate prices for rate payers or create entirely new safety challenges for the populous. Wind, solar, and geothermal should be priorities -- the state is blessed with abundand geothermal that can be baseload power like coal. Battery advances can make solar viable, too!

This editorial states that Gov Huntsman does not support nuclear power. That is just not accurate.
Huntsman was quoted in another news paper October 25th 2007 here is part of that storyy.

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. says the state must be open to nuclear power being produced within its borders, referring to the possibility of two nuclear power plants being built near Green River, in Emery County.

"You have to keep the nuclear option on the table because it's a carbon-free source of power," Huntsman said at his monthly KUED-TV news conference. Nuclear power has less impact on global warming because, unlike coal-fire plants, it does not require burning carbon fuels.

Huntsman said the issues of cost, environmental impacts, safety and storage of nuke waste will have to be addressed over the 10- to 20-year licensing process. The state will only be peripherally involved in what is a federal process, he said.

We need nuclear power. Stop this silly NIMBY attitude. Nuclear power plants are safe. There are tons of oil refineries, chemical plants, and other "dangerous" sites around the state that we won't blink an eye at, yet we are paranoid about nuclear power.

Let's send a clear message to our politicians, we want to be a part of the solution instead of more of the status quo. Build nuclear power plants here in Utah to meet our energy needs.

What Roland Kayser failed to mention about Texas was their rolling brownouts and blackouts statewide last February when, one random day, the wind didn't blow. That's not what Utahns want in an energy policy.

This was a well balanced and well reasoned editorial. Way to get it right, D News!

Everyone relax. The billionaire governor has ordered a Blue Ribbon Task for to look into all of this.

What more can taxpayers and customers ask for, than a Blue Ribbon Task Force?

Soon, all our problems will be solved this way.....

This is the beginning of the end of life in America as we know it.
Get used to brown outs, out-of-control price hikes, 100 degree-plus temperatures w/out air conditioning, etc.
Just like the good ol' days.

Wind, solar, and geothermal are not the answer. Look into the details of the limitations that will prevent them from ever being primary sources (I really mean ever, even with a "moon-shot" mentality).

What magical battery technology just appeared out of thin air that has eluded billions of dollars and decades of research?

Is anyone aware of the environmental (and economic) implications of using chemical batteries to store billions of watts of power?

I live near the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon were Rocky Mountain Power has completed the construction 9 large wind turbines at a cost of over 200 million dollars, 23 million apiece. As I watch them out of my back window, they only operate a few hours each day and then there are only 2 to 4 going at any one time. Wasn't the tax credit, and local property tax reduction, enough? Is this one of the reasons for a huge rate increase?

As for nuclear power, I suggest that we go to smaller reactors like those used by the Navy and place them in industrial areas of the cities. This would reduce the huge cost of power lines and the 9% loss due to resistance in the grid. As for water, coal or natural gas steam driven power plants, use about the same amount. A side note, there have been zero commercial, or Navy nuclear accidents that have caused injury or death, and that includes Three Mile Island.

Nuclear proliferation is still a problem, but with Iran and N. Korea having nuclear material, it seems that there is not much left to protect. Reprocessing is also an option.

As long as republicans rule Utah there will be a generous supply of hot air to keep wind blowing.

Energy is available! It appears there are may who comment without doing any research what-so-ever. Solar is advancing so quickly that individual homes and businesses will have the ability to make the energy they need daily. Energy storage is also making huge progress. Batteries will become a thing of the past. Hold onto your doomsday thoughts and be progressive and cooperative in your actions as we all are in for some great advances in energy. Just have some faith.

Lets use more ground source heat pump systems for heating a cooling buildings, and then create more electricity without using Natural Gas. I would rather the new power plants use coal than Natural Gas. We can use the natural gas in our cars.

I am glad Jason Chaffetz is at least open to all areas of energy. We need to have enough energy to support our country and not import it.