President Donald Trump has called for “a revolution of common sense.” Yet, at the same time, he’s moved to freeze funds for climate and energy while ramping up fossil fuel production. The president argues that a reliable grid requires fossil fuels, but he ignores the known long-term benefits of clean, renewable energy. That potential is already being demonstrated in Utah
History could give us some guidance here. Thomas Paine, in his book “Common Sense,” persuaded his fellow citizens that the colonies should declare their independence from Britain. He argued against blind adherence to tradition when better solutions were available. I think that if Paine were to advise Trump today, he would say that depending solely on “the way we’ve always done things” is neither practical nor wise. In 2025, the continued reliance solely on dirty fossil fuels is just such a tradition that we should challenge.
In 2024, 96% of new U.S. power capacity was free of carbon pollution. Wind and solar account for more than 92% of new energy projects awaiting permits. The no-nonsense reason? They are, quite simply, the cheapest source of new electricity in the United States. Allowing these projects to move forward would not only ensure a more stable energy system, but would also solidify America’s leadership in the global clean energy race. That is common sense.
The benefits of clean, renewable energy — both economic and environmental benefits — are well-documented. Texas, known for its fiscally conservative approach, leads the nation in wind and solar power. Texans see the value in leveraging natural resources for a sustainable future — aligning more with Paine’s philosophy of innovation than clinging to the past.
Utah, too, is rich in renewable resources, particularly solar and geothermal energy. For example the development of the rPlus Energies project in Emery County combines a 400 MW solar farm with 400 MW of four-hour battery storage producing electricity comparable to a coal fired plant. And it will store energy for unusually sweltering summer days and during brutal cold snaps. Set to begin operations in 2026, the project will strengthen Utah’s electrical grid, train Utahns for well-paid jobs and help that community maintain a tradition of energy production.
In southern Utah, Fervo Energy is emerging as a world leader in harnessing geothermal energy. Why would we turn our back on such a promising industry?
For these reasons, 18 Republican House members sent a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson this past fall asking him to preserve clean energy tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act — the largest carbon pollution reduction plan in U.S. history. The IRA aims to cut toxic air and overheating carbon pollution by 40% over the next decade. Even those who have historically been skeptical of government intervention in energy markets recognize that clean energy is part of the future. That recognition includes big oil companies.
As of Feb. 18, all of Utah is in the grip of varying degrees of drought. The western states are fighting over the dwindling flow of the Colorado river. Here in the Uinta Basin, our soils are powder dry, and wildfire risk is high. The signs of climate change are all around us, and employing renewables is a sensible response. We all want to lower costs, protect our homes, breathe clean air and secure an enjoyable future with our families.
In “Common Sense”, Paine wrote “We have it in our power to begin the world over again.” I agree. Why shackle ourselves to the past when a well-documented path forward is clear?
Ask your members of Congress for common-sense bipartisan solutions for our energy needs, solutions that are good for the economy, and good for people.
(Tom Elder) Tom Elder is a volunteer with the Utah chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, a nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization that empowers everyday people to work together on climate policy. Find out more at cclusa.org.
Tom Elder is a volunteer with the Utah chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, a nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization that empowers everyday people to work together on climate policy. Find out more at cclusa.org.
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