Path to Positive Utah seeks to engage and support a diverse group of Utah leaders addressing climate change.
Path to Positive Utah Leaders
Robert Adler, Distinguished Professor, University of Utah Law School
“The challenges of climate change have been evolving rapidly, and the law has been slow to respond. Dialogue on how we can interpret and use existing laws or adopt new ones to bridge that gap is critically important.”
Don Albrecht, Executive Director, Western Rural Development Center
"It would be fundamentally irresponsible for our generation to do nothing about climate change and thus let our children and grandchildren suffer the consequences."
Scott Anderson, President and CEO, Zions Bank
"Climate change is an important issue for our state’s economy and quality of life. It's time to talk about it now as businesses, policy makers and residents plan for our future.”
Ralph Becker, former Mayor of Salt Lake City and Executive Director, Central Wasatch Commission
“The changing climate locally, regionally and globally presents a challenge and opportunity to take personal, organizational, and public action that will enable our posterity to inherit a safer, healthier, and more prosperous world.”
Mayor Andy Beerman, Park City
"Climate change is the greatest threat of our generation. It’s also an opportunity to embrace clean renewable energy that will fuel our economy and preserve the amazing natural environment and quality of life we enjoy in Utah."
Jackie Biskupski, former Mayor of Salt Lake City
"Salt Lake City is committed to lead on climate change and act in ways that bolster the long-term vitality of our community and the health of our planet. Investing in renewable energy, clean transportation systems and sustainable food programs not only reduces carbon pollution, it also builds an identity for our city and hope for the future."
Ted Boyer, former Chair, Utah Public Service Commission
"Regardless of your understanding of how human activity influences climate change generally (and air pollution in Utah specifically), we owe it to ourselves, our children and future generations to understand and minimize any such negative influences."
Representative Joel Briscoe (District 25)
Jim Byrne, Former Director of the Utah Energy Office and Commissioner on the Utah Public Service Commission
"A clean sustainable energy policy is the cornerstone of a proactive approach to climate change and Utah Clean Energy is an essential part of achieving that goal in our state. If Path to Positive Utah can contribute, I’m in."
David Bywater, CEO, Vivint Solar
The motto of Utah is ‘Life Elevated’. When I think about the work we’re doing at Vivint Solar and the great strides we’ve made as a state with our vast solar potential and forward-looking approach to clean energy, I think this motto applies perfectly. It’s our responsibility to get off the sidelines and join the fight to build a brighter and more resilient future powered by clean, renewable energy for generations to come. That is ‘Elevated Living’ in action.
Rob Campbell, President of Campbell Scientific
“We at Campbell Scientific are committed to putting our niche expertise to work advancing the science and technology responsible for obtaining the data needed to address the threat of a changing climate.”
Bryn Carey, President & CEO of Ski Butlers
The solutions for the world to transition to 100% clean energy are here. As a small business owner, father and an outdoor enthusiast, it is my duty to help lead our world to a sustainable future. I look forward to being a part of the solution.
Vance Checketts, Chief Operating Officer, Dsco.io
“It’s not hard to believe that a lot of Utahns feel that our state’s spectacular National Parks, greatest snow on earth and breath-taking mountain scenery are out of this world. At Dell EMC, we agree! That is why we set out to form a new Employee Resource Group (ERG) called Planet Utah. Our Mission: To be environmental stewards that work toward fostering a sustainable future. We work to engage our team members, area businesses and community leaders to make our community a clean and safe place to live and work for this and future generations.”
Carlton Christensen, Trustee, Utah Transit Authority
To assure the healthy environment we all want in the future, we must act now to make decisions – including decisions on transportation – that will have a positive impact on our community. Through respectful discussion and education, we can bring people together today to create the Utah we desire for tomorrow.
Bill Crim, President and CEO, United Way of Salt Lake
The impacts of climate change will be felt first and most acutely by low-income individuals and communities. I am pleased to be part of the dialogue about climate solutions, and believe it’s essential that we bring their voices to the table also and that we work together to address the risks of climate change in a way that eliminates disparities in economic and educational opportunity.
Professor Rob Davies, Associate Professor of Professional Practice, Utah State University
“Key to our response is getting the order right: RESOLVE leads to ACTION; action leads to HOPE.”
Reverend France A. Davis, Calvary Baptist Church
The Bible teaches that people ought to take care of what God has created. To ensure that what He has made good and very good continues to be good and very good. I am proud to use my voice as a pastor to ask people to do what they can to help with the environment.
Tim Dee, Director, Lawrence T. and Janet T. Dee Foundation
We have the potential in Utah to lead the country in energy savings and pollution reduction, using the same can-do spirit for which Utahns are famous. If we all do what we can, we'll be helping protect our environment for future generations.
Dr. Royal DeLegge, Environmental Health Director, Salt Lake County Public Health Department
"The release of greenhouse gases into the earth’s atmosphere has set the climate on a course to change drastically in the near future, and these changes are having a significant impact on human health in Salt Lake County. There is broad scientific consensus that climate change is occurring at a rate faster than previously anticipated, and is causing warmer temperatures, droughts, and more frequent extreme weather events in the region. It is important that we take action now, both to mitigate the impacts of climate change and to develop adaptation strategies that enhance the region’s resiliency to the inevitable changes it will experience."
Judy Dorsey, President and Principal Engineer, Brendle Group
"Climate action is good for business. In Utah, it can also help solve air quality and water supply challenges. Brendle Group is investing in Utah, eager to do our part for its prosperous future."
Rebecca Edwards, former State Representative
Dave Fields, President & General Manager, Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort
"Climate in Utah is changing rapidly. To maintain the current level of industry and recreation in Utah, today and in the future for our children, we need to take deliberate action now."
Jorge Fierro, President and CEO, Fierro Group
“Utah is our home and we need to take care of it. We in the Latino community are proud to be part of the solution."
Kathryn Fitzgerald, Professor Emerita, Utah State University
"I look at photos of this fragile planet from space, and then I look at a glorious sunset of reds and golds filling the sky, and I think of our terrible responsibility for keeping our home planet alive and healthy. We cannot fail it."
Christian Gardner, President & CEO, The Gardner Company
Utah is a hub for innovation in clean energy and energy efficient buildings. As a developer, I know that advancing solutions to climate change and air quality will help bring new business opportunities and talent to our state.
Sim Gill, Salt Lake County District Attorney
Climate change is an existential crisis. It is a matter of doing all that we can to solve this problem. Science does not discriminate with the truth and we as a species can only to our planet’s detriment.
Caroline Gleich, Professional Skier and Adventurer
"As a professional skier, I've devoted my life to exploring wild places by human-power, and my favorite elements are snow and ice. It breaks my heart to see how the glaciers of the world are vanishing, and I'm committed to taking leadership to improve the situation, and preserve the snow sports experience for future generations."
Dennis Haslam, Consultant, former President of the Utah Jazz
“We have made great strides here in Utah, but in truth we have only scratched the surface of what can and must be done to leave a healthy climate for our children. The first step is to acknowledge the risks and talk about it.”
George Handley, Provo City Council Member, Author
"Climate change is often divisive in Utah but its effects on present and future generations should unite all of us. I believe in working to find common ground to find common sense solutions."
Bishop Scott Hayashi, Episcopal Diocese of Utah
“Caring for God's creation by engaging climate change is not only good for the environment, but also good for the health and welfare of our people.”
K.C. Hildreth, Entrepreneur, Consultant, and Executive Coach
"I see climate change not as a problem to be solved, but as an opportunity to be realized. If we get creative and inspired, we can lead the inevitable transition to a cleaner future. It is our choice, and the time is now!"
Ned Hill, PhD, former Dean of Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business
“I’ve been fascinated by our natural world since childhood, especially birds. We need to take steps to take better care of our environment to preserve the many jewels of nature for future generations.”
Bowen Humphreys, Co-founder and COO, Zenith Sustainable Consulting
One of our core values at Zenith is optimism, and it is perhaps our most powerful asset. Path to Positive Utah also understands the power of optimism paired with actionable solutions, and we are proud to support them in creating a meaningful response to climate change.
Patricia Jones, CEO, Women's Leadership Institute
Like it or not, we all have a stake in protecting our planet and fostering policies and practices that align with a high quality of life. We owe it to others that follow us.
Kenner Kingston, President, Architectural Nexus
“At Architectural Nexus, we are committed to a vision of a highly energy-efficient built environment that cuts pollution from energy use in buildings. Climate solutions can save Utah businesses money while reducing our environmental impact.”
Liz Larsen, Director of Conservation, Hogle Zoo
"Advancing the climate change conservation in our community is important to the Zoo. Our chief priority is saving animals and addressing climate change is critical to wildlife conversation. We look forward to working together to care take care of shared environment through smart climate solutions."
Linda Leckman, MD, former Vice President, Intermountain Healthcare
Our climate is changing at an increasingly rapid pace, and the impacts on our environment and how we live necessitate action toward renewable energy and clean air as minimums.
Dave Livermore, Utah State Director, The Nature Conservancy
"From agriculture to our ski industry, from recreation to water security, our changing climate poses real threats to Utah's economy. Path to Positive will help business and community leaders engage in consecutive dialogue before it is too late."
Chris Librie, Senior Director, Global Impact and Giving, eBay
“Sustainability and climate change are at the heart of eBay’s corporate responsibility and commitment to our employees and community. Our participation in Path to Positive Utah and ongoing partnership with community leaders in Utah are key elements in bringing to life our vision for enabling greener forms of commerce over the long term.”
Tom Love, President, Love Communications
“I applaud Utah Clean Energy for initiating Path to Positive Utah, to inform business people like myself about the risks of climate change to our employees, our families and our communities. We’re seeing the impact of climate change all over the world, and in our home state too. Utah’s poor air quality is not a “winter” or “inversion-only” issue any more. Utah’s temperatures have undeniably increased and exacerbated year-round ozone pollution and the risk of wild fires. We as a community need to ‘own’ our climate change issues and have serious conversations about what we are going to do to turn it around. Our present and future wellbeing depends on it.”
Jeramy Lund, Managing Director, Impact Investing, Sorenson Impact
Congressman Ben McAdams (District 4)
Addressing climate change is the greatest challenge of our time. We can overcome the political divide and join hands to protect our air, water and lands that sustain us.
Jami Marsh, Vice President, JLL
“At JLL, our vision is to be the most sustainable real estate services firm globally, realizing our significant opportunity to create buildings and cities where people thrive. Through our sustainability leadership agenda, Building a Better Tomorrow, we are committed to minimizing the environmental impact of real estate and serving as a thought leader in promoting widespread change. Not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it adds lasting value to clients, employees, shareholders, communities and our industry.”
Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Salt Lake City
Professor Daniel Mendoza, Dept. of Atmospheric Sciences and School of Medicine, University of Utah
The impact of a changing climate can be now be easily observed - melting glaciers, increased extreme weather events, and record high temperatures. Not only is this detrimental to the overall health of the planet, it is a significant concern to our personal health. Both catastrophic natural disasters and gradually increasing temperatures have been causing negative outcomes that need to be addressed.
Peter Metcalf, Founder and former longtime CEO/President, Black Diamond
"The arid west, with its strong recreational, agricultural, and ranching supported economy is especially susceptible to the potentially devastating impact of climate change. Warmer temperatures, reduced snowpack, diminished water supplies, and more frequent and intense dust storms will define our future unless we act together to diminish the causes of climate change. It is within our reasonable ability to do so."
Greg Miller, Board of Directors, Larry H. Miller Group of Companies
I love the state of Utah and I want to preserve the wonderful experiences I have had living and working in Utah for my children and grandchildren. We must work together to help create more sustainable options for our businesses and communities so we can maintain Utah’s quality of life for future generations.
Professor Logan Mitchell, Dept. of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Utah
“Solutions to Utah’s air and climate issues will benefit our quality of life and be essential to our economic future. I’m excited to use our research results to give policymakers and stakeholders the tools they need to make data-driven decisions about emission reductions.”
Stephen Morgan, Executive Director, R. Harold Burton Foundation
Mayor Emily Niehaus, City of Moab
The UN tells us we have 12 years to act on climate change. To me that means 12 years of awesome, forward thinking, and regenerative work. I’m psyched!
Nathan Rafferty, President and CEO, Ski Utah
“Ski Utah is committed to helping the winter-sports industry reduce its carbon footprint and plan for the future as climate change is a pivotal issue for our state’s economy. As a leading advocate for one of Utah’s greatest assets, The Greatest Snow on Earth, and its $1.4 billion-dollar winter tourism industry, it is a natural fit for Ski Utah embrace clean renewable energy sources."
Heidi Redd, Rancher, Dugout Ranch
As Utahns, our landscape is something all of us love and want to take care of. Addressing climate change is part of being a good steward of Utah’s land and protecting them for future generations.
James Redford, Documentary Filmmaker
Chris Robinson, Chair, Summit County Council
“Climate change is impacting our waterways, agriculture and snowpack upon which communities like Summit County rely. By acting together as wise stewards of our natural resources, we can preserve and create new economic opportunities in our rural communities.”
Piper Rhodes, Principal Adviser Community Relations, Rio Tinto
Dave Sakrison, Former Mayor of Moab
"Climate change poses serious threats to the Utah’s beautiful landscapes and the incredible people that make it such a wonderful place to live. Working together to implement climate solutions is a worthy goal—environmentally, fiscally, and for the continued prosperity of future generations.”
Jeff Robison, M.D., Director Global, Rural & Underserved Child Health Program, University of Utah School of Medicine
“The negative health, safety and security impacts of climate change are disproportionately felt by the poor. As a pediatrician focusing on global child health, I see climate change as one of the greatest threats to the health of children everywhere, but especially in the world’s poorest nations.”
Amanda Smith, former Executive Director of Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Vice President of Public Policy at SPower
“Utah has a history of working together to confront major environmental challenges, which I witnessed firsthand at the Department of Environmental Quality. As a long-time Utahn and a parent, I’m excited to be part of the conversation about climate change through Path to Positive Utah.”
Mayor Jeff Silvestrini, City of Millcreek
My constituents are deeply concerned about climate change and air quality. As a I mayor, I feel strongly that we have an important role in fostering conversations about how we can make the personal and community changes that we need to reduce emissions and meet this challenge.
Dean Soukup, Vice President, Goldman Sachs
"Goldman Sachs acknowledges the scientific consensus that climate change is a reality and that human activities are responsible for increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere. Delaying action on climate change will be costly for our natural environment, to humans and to the economy, and we believe that urgent action by government, business, consumers and civil society is necessary to curb greenhouse gas emissions."
Mitchell Spence, President, Redfish Builders
"I was tired of being part of the problem. When we made the switch to building only Net Zero homes, I know we're part of the solution. I'm happy to build sustainable homes that create healthier communities."
Todd Stevens, Co-founder and Managing Director, Renewable Tech Ventures
"Climate change is the biggest environmental challenge of our time. However, clean energy and clean tech companies in Utah are offering innovative solutions to help mitigate the risks while growing our state’s economy.”
Karl Sun, Co-Founder and CEO, Lucid
Kitty Swenson, Director of Client Relations, Wasatch Advisors
"Utahns have the privilege and the responsibility to be in conversation with the climate every day -- from enjoying a blue sky powder day to suffering the worst days of our winter inversions. I believe it is imperative to engage in conversation and invest in research and technology that might lead to a greener future for our community. Each one of us is a stakeholder in our environment, and we must all do what we can to ensure that we make it a long-term, sustainable investment."
Jonathan Tanner, Senior Vice President, Control 4 & SnapAV
"As an lifelong outdoors enthusiast, I'm dedicated to find ways to preserve our precious natural resources."
Juliette Tennert, Director of Economic and Public Policy Research, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
Climate change presents significant risks to Utah communities and our families, As an economist, I want to work together to confront the challenge of climate change and also maintain Utah’s robust and dynamic economy.
Jack Thomas, Former Mayor of Park City
"Park City has North America’s most ambitious climate goals, and we are all systems go to reach net-zero carbon emissions and 100% renewable electricity. We want more Utah towns to join our fight against climate change, and I look forward to working with more Utah leaders to ensure a bright, clean and snowy future."
Peter Tomai, Partner and Chief Investment Officer, Specific Performance Inc.
“Widespread individual action can reverse the course of climate change. We are all empowered to model responsible climate action through our daily routines and discourse. We must work together to advance awareness and encourage effective climate initiatives on many levels to meet this challenge.”
Claire Wang, 2019 Rhodes Scholar and 2018 Truman Scholar from Utah
As a young person in Utah, I know that the worst effects of climate change will take place in my lifetime. I call upon Utah's communities, businesses, and policymakers to join young people around the world in implementing climate solutions. Together, we can provide a better future for generations to come.
Representative Ray Ward (District 19)
"We have strong scientific consensus on how human emissions are causing climate change. What we need is repeated discussions of this science with policy makers so that a sound understanding of the science can drive good policy."
Greg Warnock, Managing Director, Mercato Partners
I love the State of Utah. We are leaders of entrepreneurship and innovation, and we can do the same for climate and clean energy solutions.
Glen Watkins, Attorney, Jones Waldo
"Climate changes poses major risks to our communities and our businesses. We need to begin frank conversations about climate change and make concerted effort to find solutions to meet this important challenge."
Dr. Ruth Watkins, President, University of Utah
Students and faculty at the University of Utah know that climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. I’m proud to work with them to lead on advancing solutions to this important global problem.
Alan Westenskow, Proterra Electric Buses
"We have the technological solutions, like the zero-emission Proterra electric buses, powered by clean energy, that improve local air quality and reduce carbon pollution to slow climate change. Everyone is better off in every way with these clean energy solutions compared to the current status quo.”
Heather Wilson, Executive Director, American Institute of Architects, Utah Chapter
“We must commit to do all that we can do to provide resilience in the face of climate change and its indirect and cumulative impacts; Utah has the talent, but what we are running out of is time. I look forward to bringing solutions to bear for generations to come.”
Sarah Wright, Executive Director, Utah Clean Energy
“Utah is a pioneering state, and in that innovative spirit, we hope to inspire and support communities to forge a new path toward positive climate change outcomes. I am proud to stand with this group of Path to Positive Utah leaders and to demonstrate Utah’s leadership and ability to work together to address tough challenges, including climate change.”
Get Involved
To learn more about Path to Positive leaders, contact Josh Craft at 801.363.4046.
