SPEAKING OF COAL...

Utah gets 96% of it's energy from coal. That is why Utah State House members have adopted a resolution to urge Gov. Huntsman to pull Utah out of the Western Climate Coalition, an organization that exists "to identify, evaluate, and implement collective and cooperative ways to reduce greenhouse gases in the region, focusing on a market-based cap-and-trade system." The House members oppose the cap-and-trade system because it will raise the cost of energy in Utah.

Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab, who introducted the resolution, irrelevantly stated, "I do not believe in man-caused global warming," then went on to explain that, "Renewable energy, however beneficial, will cost more money."

The fact that Rep. Noel doesn't "believe" in man-cause global warming is irrelevant. He is no scientist nor does he give credence to scientific theory and research, and he is certainly no friend to the environment. Noel has also recently opposed a water conservation bill, he has fought against the Grand Canyon Trust and the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, and has been fighting the federal government for a decade, trying to turn land designated as part of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument into a coal mine. Rep. Noel has effectively proved his disdain for environmental preservation.

Also, the idea that sustainable energy isn't worth it because it costs more is crazy. The switch to sustainable energy is not optional. It is something that we must do to continue to survive on this planet.

Republicans like Rep. Noel are contributing to the increasing impotence of the Republican Party. People are beginning to catch on to the fact that their ideas are outdated and that some real changes need to be made. This clip of Gov. Huntsman illustrates that fact very well:



Happily, Governor Huntsman has decided to ignore the resolution and continue his discussion with the Western Climate Coalition. Gov. Huntsman is the only Republican that I voted for in last year's election, and I am pleased to see him holding his ground. It's interesting that I know a number of Republicans who care deeply about environmental issues, it's just the legislature that hasn't caught on yet.

CLEAN COAL AIR FRESHENER!

Check out this great TV spot directed by the Coen Brothers about "clean coal." While you're at it, stop in at thisisreality.org and learn more about the coal industry's contribution to global warming.

LEARN TO GARDEN LIKE A PRO!

I haven't been too great about posting this winter, but now that we're a month into the new year and spring is on its way it seems appropriate to get back in the habit. This winter I took a Master Gardener course sponsored by the Utah State Extension program. Master Gardener courses are provided nationwide by extension programs in each state. It is a great way to learn about gardening and to get involved in the community. I have completed my 40 classroom hours and test, now I will need to attend several labs and volunteer 40 hours of my time.

If you're interested in participating in this program, you can find information about it at the utah state extension website: Master Gardener Program. Each county has their own program, Utah County held their classes at the Historic Courthouse and at Thanksgiving Point.

If you don't want to wait for the Master Gardener class to start up again, Thanksgiving Point is offering a number of helpful classes for gardeners: click here to find out more.

I can't wait to implement all that I've learned - I've already been planning my garden for the spring!