Gary Herbert in 2011 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Energy & Oil:
Utah is energy-independent; now export oil & nuclear
Utah's energy industries create tens of thousands of jobs, and tax revenues from energy-related jobs amounted to over $200 million dollars last year alone. Utah has been abundantly blessed with massive reserves of energy resources. We are a state that is
largely energy independent. In fact, we are a net exporter of electricity. While many other states, and indeed our nation, have compromised or abandoned their energy independence, here in Utah, WE WILL NOT! We simply cannot put the economic fate of futur
generations in peril by relying upon others for our energy needs. Last year I called for the development of a ten-year strategic energy plan for Utah. Our reliance upon traditional fuels is being challenged. Yes, renewable energies such as wind,
solar, and geothermal, will play an expanding and important role. However, the "base load"--the very foundation of Utah's energy-will, most assuredly, be provided by either fossil or nuclear fuels. Every state has to face that simple reality.
Source: 2011 Utah State of the State Address
Jan 26, 2011
On Free Trade:
Assist Utah companies with global vision for export growth
To accelerate job creation across the state, we must focus on three key areas: First, we must increase access to capital, for our small and start up businesses. We must ensure that the Utah Fund of Funds, created by the Legislature three years ago, is
focused on assisting UTAH companies. Second, we must expand our GLOBAL vision. Utah's export growth is the strongest in the nation. To ensure a continued focus on international business, I challenge Lew Cramer and other international business leaders to
double Utah exports in the next five years. Third, I urge the Legislature to pass Senator Ralph Okerlund's Business Expansion and Retention bill to support companies throughout rural Utah. Utah has been recognized time and again as a pro-business state,
for the first time in our state's history, a #1 ranking from Forbes as the "Best State for Business and Careers" in America.
Source: 2011 Utah State of the State Address
Jan 26, 2011
On Health Care:
Sue on unconstitutionality of ObamaCare
If we as a state fail to vigorously fight to protect and defend our rights under the Constitution, those rights will invariably be seized and usurped by the federal government. I remind Washington, we are a state, not a colony, and I assure you, on my
watch, Utah will not stand idly by.In fact, we and 26 other states are asserting our right and our obligation to say no to an unconstitutional federal health care program. Over the past three years we have worked closely with you in the
Legislature to create solutions to reform Utah's health care system. We are also taking the lead to rein in outrageous cost increases in federally mandated entitlement programs, before those costs further impair our ability to fund education and
other vital state services. In the election last November, the people sent a message that federal domination must give way to mutual collaboration. Unfortunately, that message was promptly ignored.
Source: 2011 Utah State of the State Address
Jan 26, 2011
On Immigration:
Find solutions to tough issues where feds abdicated
On issues like immigration, where the federal government has abdicated its responsibility and stepped aside, we must step forward. We have been sent here by the voters to find solutions to tough issues. Immigration reform is but one example of how we mus
achieve a new level of collaboration, commitment, and initiative. As we undertake this work, let us never forget our obligation to respect each other--even when we disagree.
Source: 2011 Utah State of the State Address
Jan 26, 2011
Page last updated: Dec 04, 2018