The Greatest Snow on Earth® has helped create a booming winter sports industry in Utah with an economic impact of $1.4 billion per year and more than 20,000 jobs. The ski industry in Utah depends on Mother Nature to help draw tourists to our ski resorts.
Our resorts are doing what they can to adapt to climate variability and are developing business plans that ensure their viability in an uncertain future. However, without concerted efforts by our policymakers, the unpredictable nature of a changing climate in our state will ultimately have a negative impact on our industry.
State Rep. Becky Edwards has proposed a forward-thinking resolution, HCR007 Concurrent Resolution on Environmental and Economic Stewardship, coupling the need for responsible stewardship and prudent management of natural resources. With her resolution, Edwards has given the Legislature and the state an opportunity to demonstrate to the nation and the world that our state is truly committed to environmental stewardship in a way that is economically beneficial.
Ski resorts and businesses across all industries in Utah depend on and appreciate Utah’s pro-business and free-market principles that make it an ideal location to operate. Access to our beautiful mountains and unique range of outdoor activities are vital to attracting and retaining a solid workforce. Together, Utah’s economic stronghold and commitment to environmental stewardship is attracting new businesses and employees, while allowing those already-established industries to grow. This combination creates a quality of life that makes living and recreating in Utah so wonderful.
In addition, recognizing Utah’s economic and environmental stewardship will continue to be critical to and beneficial for efforts like Utah’s desire to host the 2026 or 2030 Olympic Winter Games — a global event that Utah’s Olympic Exploratory Committee estimates could yield at least $6 billion to Utah’s economy, plus another $3 billion in personal income and 45,700 job-years of employment. Hosting the Olympics for a second time would once again place Utah in the global spotlight and strengthen our status as a premier winter recreation destination.
With HCR007, we have an opportunity to come together and recognize the value of the many natural resources Utah has to offer while highlighting the benefits of managing these resources in a responsible and sustainable way that utilizes Utah’s unique expertise, technology and innovation.
We commend Rep. Edwards for this resolution and encourage community members, businesses and legislators alike to support HCR007 for the benefit of Utah’s economy and environment.
Nathan Rafferty | Ski Utah
Nathan Rafferty is president and CEO of Ski Utah.
