In Utah, one clean energy nonprofit that has defied the odds is now celebrating 25 years of impact. Conservative Utah’s economy has a long and proud history tied to fossil fuels interests, but now a modernized energy era is underway with help from local clean energy experts, Utah Clean Energy.
Utah Clean Energy, widely recognized as the state’s leading climate and air quality organization, is celebrating its 25-Year Anniversary on April 23, 2026, at the Cleone Eccles Alumni House at the University of Utah. The celebration will unite 300+ leaders from across Utah to reflect on the state’s clean energy past, present, and future.
Featured speakers include former Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker, former Utah legislator Becky Edwards, and current Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, each offering perspectives on Utah’s evolution as a clean energy leader and the path forward.
The event marks both a proud moment of reflection and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the organization, as Utah Clean Energy welcomes Sara Baldwin-Griffin as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Unstoppable Momentum and a New Chapter
Founded in 2001, Utah Clean Energy began as a small, all volunteer effort with a bold idea: a future powered by clean, affordable energy, free from pollution. Twenty-five years later, that vision has helped transform Utah’s energy landscape and position the organization as one of the most respected and impactful climate nonprofits in the West.
“Celebrating 25 years of clean energy success and honoring Sarah Wright’s legacy of leadership is energizing, and this gathering of leaders highlights just how far Utah has come” said incoming CEO Sara Baldwin-Griffin. “With so many exciting opportunities ahead, I am confident we will continue partnering to accelerate clean energy solutions, reduce pollution, and enhance our quality of life for today and future generations.”
Transforming Utah’s Energy Landscape
When Utah Clean Energy launched, the state relied on coal for roughly 95% of its electricity, and renewable energy was virtually nonexistent on the grid. Today, the organization has helped usher in a new era of solar, wind, geothermal, and energy storage development, which now make up around 20% of the state‘s electricity generation mix. These efforts have unlocked billions of dollars in clean energy investment, transforming Utah into a national clean energy success story–sunny Utah now has more than 2 Gigawatts of utility-scale solar installed with more in the works, and nearly 430 MW of distributed solar on rooftops.
Utah Clean Energy’s impact extends across buildings and transportation as well. The organization has advanced energy efficiency and net zero building practices while working with utilities to direct millions of dollars toward efficiency programs that lower utility bills for Utah households, improve public health, and reduce energy burdens for vulnerable communities. Similarly, Utah Clean Energy has helped expand EV charging infrastructure statewide and supported EV drivers across the state, accelerating the shift to cleaner transportation. This steadfast focus on reducing harmful air pollution will have a lasting impact for all Utahns and the state’s clean air goals.
Together, these efforts have helped position Utah as a place where clean energy innovation, efficient buildings, cleaner transportation, and bipartisan climate action are not just possible, but thriving.
“This anniversary is more than a retrospective on where we’ve been,” Baldwin-Griffin said. “This is a milestone in the state’s history and a chance to look ahead as we redouble our shared commitment to a healthier climate, thriving economy, and bright future.”
