Jon Huntsman on Energy and the Environment
Summary
Governor Huntsman believes in man-made global warming and supports efforts to limit emissions with the purpose of addressing climate change through cap-and-trade and other mechanisms. As Governor of Utah, Huntsman signed the state onto the Western Climate Initiative. This group of states and provinces has the goal of establishing a price for carbon emission through a cap-and-trade system. Governor Huntsman touted bringing the state into this agreement in 2008 by noting that few other Republicans would have taken such a step.
Outside the WCI, Governor Huntsman embraced the values of a cap-and-trade system. In a 2008 debate, Governor Huntsman stated that carbon emissions led to polluted skys and climate change adn the only way to limit the emission of carbon was to put a cost on emitting it, and the best way to that was a cap-and-trade system.
During the 2012 election cycle, Governor Huntsman has backed off from promoting the absoluteness of climate change and has simply stated that a majority of scientists state that man-made global warming is real and he relies on scientific experts. He has stated that his views on cap-and-trade have not changed, but that economic realities have made the implementation of such a program infeasible.
Governor Huntsman has also stated that it would not be effective for the US to limit its carbon emission while other emittors such as China were not limiting their carbon emissions.
Western Climate Initiative
In May of 2007, Governor Huntsman signed Utah onto the Western Climate Initiative. The Western Climate Initiative is a set of states and provinces in Canada, the US, and Mexico that have agreed to limit their carbon emissions. The official website for the WCI characterizes itself as follow:
First Gubernatorial Debate
In June of 2008, Governor Huntsman participated in a Gubernatorial Debate on KUED and discussed his support of the "Western Initiative" for climate change legislation and measure to ensure renewable energy standards.
Second Gubernatorial Debate
In October of 2008, Governor Huntsman talks about his support for the "Western Initiative," his views on carbon pollution and climate change, and his support for cap-and-trade during a gubernatorial debate on KCPW.
Time-Swampland
In May of 2011, Governor Huntsman was interviewed by Time Magazine for the Swampland section. He was asked about his previous support for cap-and-trade and his views on the environment. He noted that if 90% of oncologists were telling the world that something caused cancer, no one would question it.
George Stephanopoulis Interview
In May of 2011, Governor Huntsman was interviewed by George Stephanopoulis. He is asked about his previous support for cap-and-trade.
Wall Street Journal Interview
In June of 2011, Governor Huntsman was interviewed by the Wall Street Journal and discussed his views on the need for energy independence and natural gas in relation to alternative energy. The text below is directly from the article and some of Governor Huntsman's statements are paraphrased.
Reagan Debate
In September of 2011, Governor Huntsman participated in the Republican debate at the Reagan Library. He spoke about the additional costs of gasoline outside of the price that consumers pay at the pump and stated that the true cost of a gallon of gas was more like $13 dollars a gallon. He also stated that it was anti-science to go against 90% of climate scientists.
Fox News / Google Debate
On September 22, 2011 Governor Huntsman participated in the Fox News / Google debate. He spoke there about his support for natural gas and subsidization of certain renewable energy products.
RedState Interview
In December of 2011, Governor Huntsman was interviewed by RedState.com and discussed his previous statements concerning global warming and cap-and-trade.
2012 Campaign Website Statements
References
[1] Website: ABC News Article: Transcript: Exclusive Interview With Jon Huntsman Author: NA Accessed on: 08/17/2011
[2] Website: Wall Street Journal Article: A 'Conservative Problem-Solver' Author: DANIEL HENNINGER Accessed on: 08/17/2011
[3] Website: Time Swampland Article: Q&A: Jon Huntsman Author: MELINDA HENNEBERGER Accessed on: 08/17/2011