Jan 16 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Dawn House The Salt Lake Tribune

Eight Utah organizations have pledged to track their own greenhouse gas emissions as part of a nationwide effort to address global warming.

The Washington-based Climate Registry verifies and publicly reports on greenhouse gas emissions, giving business and policy makers a tool to track and help reduce carbon pollution.

"This is a first step in addressing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming and climate change," said Donna Spangler, spokeswoman for Utah Department of Environmental Quality. "Hopefully, the federal government will take notice of what the states are doing."

Utah is among 31 states that are charter members of the registry that was launched in May 2007. Eight other states, five Canadian provinces and two Mexican states also are participating.

In Utah, organizations that will measure and report their emissions include Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County; the Environmental Quality Department; USANA Health Sciences, a maker of nutritional supplements; Kennecott Land Co.; Kennecott Utah Copper; and consulting companies ETC Group LLC and SWCA.

"These organizations have demonstrated exemplary environmental leadership by courageously stepping forward to support The Climate Registry in its preliminary stages," said registry Chair Gina McCarthy in a statement.

The registry, modeled after a 2001 California initiative, will start accepting data this month.

Organizations and companies that join the registry before May are eligible to receive Founding Reporter status.