Gary Herbert on Environment

Re-opened National Parks during 2013 shutdown

We immediately reached out to the Interior Secretary. And I still remember vividly our first conversation. She agreed that it would be best for the parks to reopen but that nothing could be done.

My response was "rather than talk about what we can't do, let's talk about what we can do." And within 72 hours from that call, with the support of local communities and legislative leadership the parks reopened and the tourists returned.

Push refineries to produce cleaner fuel

Utah must commit to protecting its natural resources

Balance land use between recreation and development

Keystone XL Pipeline fundamental to economic prosperity.

Dear Mr. President,

We respectfully urge you to move forward on the Keystone XL Pipeline project. The energy relationship between the US and Canada is vital to the future of both our countries.

• Crucial to US energy security: With the pipeline, US imports from Canada could reach twice what is currently imported from the Persian Gulf.
• Thousands of jobs: The pipeline project is expected to create thousands of manufacturing and construction jobs and generate tax revenues in local economies along the pipeline route.
• Efficient and reliable: We are committed to responsible stewardship of our shared environment. Pipelines remain the most efficient method of transporting large volumes of crude oil, but we also recognize the need to take the measures necessary to protect the environment and public health and safety.