As the energy landscape shifts, Utah and Wyoming face growing pressure to transition toward renewable energy, Deseret News reports.
A new Sierra Club report, in partnership with the Current Energy Group, argues that embracing solar, wind, and storage technologies could provide economic growth, job security, and environmental benefits for both states. However, PacifiCorp, the region’s largest electric utility, remains focused on grid improvements and transmission projects, leading to debate over the best path forward.
PacifiCorp’s latest resource planning document, currently under review by state utility commissions, prioritizes traditional energy sources, maintaining coal-fired power plants until their end of life. The plan also focuses on:
- 6,379 megawatts of new wind energy
- 7,668 megawatts of storage resources
- 5,492 megawatts of new solar energy
- 500 megawatts from advanced nuclear power
While the plan includes renewable energy, the Sierra Club and other critics argue that it does not go far enough.
“PacifiCorp has long prioritized outdated, costly coal plants over clean energy solutions, despite overwhelming evidence that renewable energy is the better economic choice,” said Rose Monahan, staff attorney for the Sierra Club.
The Sierra Club report suggests that increased investment in renewables would lead to:
- Thousands of high-paying jobs in Utah and Wyoming
- Greater economic stability in rural communities affected by the decline of coal
- Billions in tax revenue to fund public services like schools and hospitals
- Lower energy costs for ratepayers
“We’ve been told that moving away from coal would devastate rural communities, but this study reveals a different story,” said Luis Miranda, Utah-based Campaign Organizer for the Sierra Club. “A shift to renewable energy is not just necessary—it’s an economic opportunity.”
Similarly, Emma Jones, climate and energy organizer for the Sierra Club in Wyoming, emphasized the outmigration of jobs, stating:
“Our state’s most important export today isn’t coal or natural gas—it’s jobs.”
Despite these concerns, Utah has made significant strides in solar energy. According to the US Energy Information Administration, Utah ranks ninth in the nation for solar energy capacity, benefiting from its high altitude and ultraviolet index.
Additionally, Utah and Colorado lawmakers introduced the Co-Location Energy Act, a bipartisan bill aiming to streamline renewable energy development on federal lands already leased for other energy production.
“Innovation and efficiency are key as we work to meet energy demands and reduce emissions,” said Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah.
Meanwhile, Clearway Energy Group recently began construction on a major battery storage project in Utah, storing 1,280 megawatts of solar energy for PacifiCorp under a 20-year agreement.
While some progress is being made, critics argue that Utah and Wyoming are not embracing renewable energy at the pace needed to maximize economic and environmental benefits.
According to the Current Energy Group, a more aggressive approach to renewables could generate over 18,000 additional job-years compared to a low-renewables strategy. Even with job losses from coal plant retirements, the net impact would be positive for both employment and economic stability.
As PacifiCorp finalizes its 2025 resource plan, Utah and Wyoming leaders face a key decision: stick with the current approach or push harder for a clean energy future.
