This letter was written in response to the Climate Change Joint Resolution (HJR 12) that was passed by the Utah House of Representatives on February 9, 2010 (voting record here) and the Joint Resolution on Energy Policy (HJR 21), currently being considered by the House. 

HJR 12 rejects the realities of climate change and asks the federal government to refrain from taking action against global warming.  The resolution misleads the public and asserts facts related to climate change which are simply untrue.

HJR 12 states the following: "This joint resolution of the Legislature urges the United States Environmental Protection Agency to cease its carbon dioxide reduction policies, programs, and regulations until climate data and global warming science are substantiated."  The text of the bill can be found here.

On February 3, 15 scientists at Brigham Young University composed and signed a letter to the Legislature challenging the scientific validity of the claims expressed in HJR 12.  To date, 73 university professors have endorsed the letter.  See the full list here.

On February 12, Utah climate scientists and professors held a press conference in response to the resolution. 

On February 19, the resolution received a favorable recommendation from the Senate Natural Resources Committee (4-2). 

HJR 21 urges the governnor to withdraw Utah from the Western Climate Initiative.  The text of the bill can be found here.