UREZ Phase II &
Working Groups

UREZ Phase I

UREZ Interactive Map

Governor Huntsman's Utah Renewable Energy Zone (UREZ) Task Force is made up of twenty members, appointed by Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., representing utilities; renewable energy generation developers; environmental organizations; federal, state and local government representatives; and energy advocate representatives.

Upcoming Phase II Meetings:
09/22/09 - Policy Working Group
09/17/09 - Selection WG
09/17/09 - Economics WG
09/17/09 - Transmission WG

This task force recognizes the Governor’s commitment to renewable energy resources as a component of Utah’s energy portfolio and clean energy policy. Dr. Dianne R. Nielson, Energy Advisor, and Dr. Rick Allis, Director of Utah Geological Survey, co-chair the UREZ Task Force.

Utah is one of twelve states participating in the National Governors’ Association Center for Best Practices Securing a Clean Energy Future initiative, which is providing funding for the UREZ Task Force project.

Purpose: To promote the development of renewable energy resources to meet the goal of 20% of Utah’s electricity by 2025.

Specific objectives of the UREZ Task Force:
Phase I -

• Identify renewable energy zones (REZs)
• Identify information or procedures to recognize areas with cumulative potential for larger amounts of renewable energy production
• Generate information to identify renewable energy resource areas within and outside REZs
• Support renewable energy development

Phase II -

• Identify policies or market mechanisms that would facilitate transmission planning and permitting for renewable energy projects
• Quantify cost-effective generation potential
• Identify necessary transmission to bring resources to market

Questions?
Please contact Elise Brown at elisebrown@utah.gov, 801-537-3365 or Mary Ann Wright at maryannwright@utah.gov, 801-538-8726.

Other Renewable Energy Zone Reports

• Other States' Renewable Energy Transmission Initiatives
• Western Governors' Association Renewable Energy Zone Initiative (pdf)