Week One at the Capitol
Week One at the Capitol: What’s Moving and Why It Matters
The Utah legislative session is officially underway and we made it through the first week.
As expected, the Capitol was busy. Lawmakers followed a familiar daily rhythm, starting with morning appropriations meetings focused on funding priorities, moving into floor debates and votes, and ending the day in committee hearings where bills are discussed and public comment is heard. As the session picks up speed, this schedule can shift quickly, which is why staying informed early matters.
And there is a lot to track. More than 500 bills have already been introduced. At HEAL Utah, we are closely monitoring about 50 bills that impact Utah’s environment and public health. Over the coming weeks, we will continue sharing Capitol Reports, action alerts, and blog updates to help make sense of what is moving and what it means for communities across the state.
You can always follow along using our Bill Tracker to stay up to date as bills advance.
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The Good News So Far
Even in a fast moving and crowded session, there are some promising bills worth celebrating.
TAKE ACTION!
Reach out to your lawmakers and urge them to support this legislation. You can also sign up to provide public comment when these bills are heard in committee. Action details below.
One encouraging step forward is HB 76 S1, which increases transparency around water use by large data centers. In a state facing serious water challenges, requiring public reporting before construction begins and on an annual basis is an important accountability measure. This bill has already passed out of committee and is headed to the full House.
TAKE ACTION: CONTACT YOUR HOUSE REPRESENTATIVES AND URGE THEM TO VOTE YES!
Another positive development is SB 176, which would require electric powered landscaping equipment for certain state maintained properties along the Wasatch Front. Gas powered landscaping equipment is a significant source of air pollution, and this bill moves Utah toward cleaner air and healthier communities. It is currently waiting for committee assignment.
TAKE ACTION: CONTACT SENATE RULES COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND URGE THEM TO ASSIGN THE BIL TO A COMMITTEE
We are also watching HB 247, which would redirect brine shrimp tax revenue to support Great Salt Lake conservation and infrastructure projects. These investments could help stabilize lake levels, reduce exposed lakebed, and limit toxic dust impacts. The bill is currently in House Rules, and HEAL Utah strongly supports its passage.
TAKE ACTION: CONTACT HOUSE RULES COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND URGE THEM TO ASIGN THE BILL TO A COMMITTEE
Finally, SCR 3 takes an important stance by urging the federal government not to resume explosive nuclear weapons testing. This resolution acknowledges the lasting harm nuclear testing caused to Utah communities and affirms that renewed testing is unnecessary. It has passed out of committee and is now moving to the Senate floor.
Concerning Bills We Are Watching
Alongside the good, several troubling bills are also advancing.
TAKE ACTION!
Reach out to your lawmakers and urge them to vote against this legislation. You can also sign up to provide public comment when these bills are heard in committee. Action details below.
HB 222, Limitation of Actions Amendments: This bill expands protections against civil and criminal lawsuits alleging damage from greenhouse gas emissions, effectively creating a shield against a growing wave of lawsuits aimed at holding companies and individuals responsible for emissions. The bill is in the House Rules Committee, waiting to be assigned to a standing committee.
TAKE ACTION: CONTACT YOUR HOUSE REPRESENTATIVES AND URGE THEM TO VOTE NO!
H.C.R. 1 House Concurrent Resolution Regarding Advanced Nuclear Manufacturing: This resolution declares Utah’s support for the advanced nuclear manufacturing industry. HEAL Utah testified againstthis resolution because nuclear manufacturing pose significant economic risks to communities, are unproven at commercial scale, and rely on long-term public subsidies. This resolution was heard in the House Public Utilities and Energy Committee and passed unanimously.
TAKE ACTION: CONTACT YOUR HOUSE REPRESENTATIVES AND URGE THEM TO VOTE NO!
S.C.R. 1 This resolution expresses support for Utah to pursue expanded Agreement State status with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for additional elements of permitting and oversight within the nuclear fuel cycle. HEAL Utah opposes this resolution because it poses significant economic, health, and environmental risks given the unresolved waste disposal challenges that accompany nuclear development. This bill was heard in the Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee and moved on to the Senate floor without allowing for online public comment.
TAKE ACTION: CONTACT YOUR SENATORS AND URGE THEM TO VOTE NO!
Concurrent Resolution Regarding Nuclear Energy: This resolution expresses support for Utah to pursue expanded Agreement State status with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for additional elements of permitting and oversight within the nuclear fuel cycle. HEAL Utah opposes this resolution because it poses significant economic, health, and environmental risks given the unresolved waste disposal challenges that accompany nuclear development. This bill was heard in the Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee and moved on to the Senate floor without allowing for online public comment.
TAKE ACTION: CONTACT YOUR SENATORS AND URGE THEM TO VOTE NO!
Looking Ahead to Next Week
Next week brings both remembrance and action.
On January 27, advocates and community members will gather for Toxic and Radioactive Lobby Day to speak directly with lawmakers about ongoing pollution and public health risks across the state. That evening, we will also come together for Downwinders Day of Remembrance to honor those harmed by nuclear testing and to recommit to preventing further harm.
Both events are opportunities to show up, be heard, and stand in solidarity with impacted communities.
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