Week 2 Capitol Report:
Week 2 Capitol Report: Urgency Rising as Snowpack Hits Record Lows
The Utah legislative session continues as we move into week two.
As Utah heads toward record low snowpack, lawmakers are making major decisions on environmental legislation that will shape the state’s water, health, and future, including bills impacting the Great Salt Lake. This week, nearly 1,000 people rallied at the lake demanding urgent action to protect it, amid broader national protests tied to Homeland Security budgeting and federal priorities.
We also marked a major milestone at the Capitol with our first lobby day of the session on January 27, the National Day of Remembrance for Downwinders. First time HEAL lobbyists met directly with legislators, received a shout out on the Senate floor, and urged decision makers to move with responsibility, safety, and cost consciousness as Utah considers nuclear energy expansion. Advocates also voiced strong support for efforts to ensure the federal government does not create a new generation of Downwinders by restarting explosive nuclear weapons testing.
You can always follow along using our Bill Tracker to stay up to date as bills advance.
The New
Several new bills were introduced this week, setting the tone for key debates ahead.
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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.
his bill expands the definition of environmental action to include judicial review of certain Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining (DOGM) permits, imposing additional requirements for plaintiffs challenging certain DOGM permit decisions. HEAL opposes this bill because it could increase barriers to pursuing legal action against mining or fossil fuel permits. This 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!
This bill protects nearby communities from potential toxic exposures from artificial turf by requiring early, detailed notice and a public hearing on artificial turf installations. HEAL supports this bill because it could reduce the use of synthetic surfaces that contribute to urban heat islands and microplastic pollution. This bill is awaiting standing committee assignment in the House Rules Committee.
TAKE ACTION: CONTACT YOUR HOUSE REPRESENTATIVES AND URGE THEM TO VOTE YES!
This bill requires cities and counties in the Great Salt Lake basin to adopt and enforce water-efficient landscaping rules for new development, thus promoting drought-resilient designs and reducing outdoor water use. HEAL is in favor of this bill because it encourages water-wise landscapes and reduces unnecessary irrigation to help conserve water that could otherwise be diverted from sources that feed the Great Salt Lake. This bill is awaiting standing committee assignment in the House Rules Committee.
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This bill requires fugitive dust facilities larger than a quarter acre (e.g. gravel pits) to post signage outside of the facility, clearly visible to the public, that includes permit and contact information. It also clarifies requirements for fugitive dust facilities to develop fugitive dust control plans and imposes annual compliance fees on aggregate operations based on total emissions. HEAL supports this bill because it is a step in the right direction in increasing monitoring and regulation of gravel operations. This bill is in the House Rules Committee waiting to be assigned to a standing committee.
TAKE ACTION: CONTACT HOUSE REPRESENTATIVES AND URGE THEM TO VOTE YES!
This bill requires owners of utility-scale renewable energy facilities to consult with the Division of Wildlife Resources as part of the permitting process to assess potential impacts of projects on wildlife habitat. This bill is in the House Rules Committee waiting to be assigned to a standing committee.
Updates to Good Bills
Here are the latest updates to good legislation we are following.
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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.
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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.
Update to bad bills
Here is an update to the bad legislation we are tracking.
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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.
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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
Active and Public Transit Lobby Day
Tuesday, February 3 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Copper Room, Senate Building, Utah State Capitol
Join HEAL Utah, Bike Utah, and Sweet Streets SLC to advocate for public transit, safe streets, and walkable communities. Investing in transit is essential to improving air quality and cutting climate pollution.
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