It’s that time of year again when residents of Utah cities and towns with municipal primaries get to obsessively check their mailboxes, eager to have their voices heard at the local level.
Stewardship Utah believes in community representation and the power of local governments to create big change. This year, we are focusing on candidates in cities with the ability to either join the Community Renewable Energy Program (CREP), will support remaining in CREP if their city is already enrolled, or are climate champions in their own right. This program, governed by municipalities, aims to achieve a net 100% renewable electricity supply by 2030.
Utah’s municipalities have historically been subject to a utility monopoly with Rocky Mountain Power, which is reluctant to invest heavily in renewable energy. The Community Renewable Energy Program (CREP) offers residents a choice through an opt-in/opt-out program, remaining connected to the Rocky Mountain Power grid. The program is voted on at the municipal level, and customers will opt into the program. However, without municipal participation, customers have no choice in where their electricity comes from.
Offering utility customers a choice isn’t a new idea. Utah is one of 18 states that currently do not offer customers a choice for their utilities. The Community Renewable Energy Program changes that. Currently, 19 communities across Utah are participating in CREP, including Salt Lake City, Moab, and Springdale! |
Voters in line to cast their ballots in Monument Valley |
While not all of our endorsed candidates will be involved in the primaries, we’re excited to introduce you to our current endorsed candidate slate - we'll have more endorsements to come as we head into the general election. 2025 Municipal Endorsements: |
- Annette Harris, Jessica Wignall, Sergio Sotelo, & Rob Bennett – West Jordan City Council At-Large
These four leaders are dedicated to promoting clean energy and maintaining public accountability. Their support for joining CREP signals a shift toward a more climate-conscious West Jordan. Voters in West Jordan will be asked to vote for three candidates in a crowded Primary field. - Lenise Peterman – Helper Mayor
While Helper isn’t a CREP member (the city manages its own power grid and is not a Rocky Mountain Power customer), Mayor Peterman’s record on water conservation, public involvement, and rural climate leadership is unmatched. Her leadership reflects the kind of values-driven governance Utah needs. In addition to her role as Helper City Mayor, Lenise is also the Rural Director on our staff. -
Lars Nordfelt – West Valley City Council
Like West Jordan, WVC isn’t yet part of CREP. However, Lars has consistently advocated for clean energy, sustainable growth, and community input. - Marcia White - Ogden City Council At-Large Seat A
An experienced leader in Ogden, Marcia has proven herself to be a strong advocate for bringing clean energy to Ogden City and has continuously fought to protect CREP. - Ben Peck - Murray City Council District 3
Ben sets himself apart from the rest of the competition and paves the way for a new generation of climate leaders. While Murray is not able to join CREP, the council plays a critical role in designing their energy future. - Paul Fotheringham - Holladay Mayor
Holladay continues to impress and lead the way on renewable energy and Councilmember Fotheringham has proven to be a consistent leader for Holladay residents. He seeks to take his experience in city council to the mayorship. - Dustin Gettel – Midvale Mayor (CREP city)
A bold advocate for Midvale’s clean energy future, Gettel has led on renewable transition efforts and public accountability. Midvale is the newest member of CREP, having just joined last fall. Midvale is using ranked-choice voting, so there will be no primary election this year. - Thom Desirant – Millcreek City Council (CREP city)
Desirant brings a clear vision for a cleaner, more inclusive Millcreek, supporting local action on air quality and civic engagement. There are only two candidates in this race, so there will be no primary election this year.
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We’re excited to see these candidates through their primary races and into the general elections. If you live in a district or city with a Primary, you should have received your ballot in the mail already, and don’t forget, Election Day is Tuesday, August 12th. Click here to track your ballot and see if you have a primary election in your area. Keep an eye out for more endorsements as the general election gets closer!
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Stewardship Utah
68 E 2700 S
South Salt Lake City, UT 84115
United States |
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