We only have one week left in the 2022 legislative session, and things are about to get crazy as legislators make their last push to get bills passed. Keep reading to to get the latest updates and information on how to get involved.
Diesel Emission Reduction Program
This week Senate Bill 136 Air quality policy amendments passed both the Senate floor and House Public Utilities Committee! This bill will now be sent to the House Floor! ( one step left!)

What does this bill do? : If passed this bill will require the Department of Environmental Quality to study and make recommendations on a diesel emissions reduction plan framework.
What would this program do?: Diesel emission reduction programs incentivize heavy diesel vehicles and equipment to transition to alternative fuels. This program would help development projects like the inland port adopt cleaner energy sources minimizing their impacts on the surrounding environment.
Support or oppose?: Bill addresses and promotes equitable access to switching towards cleaner energy sources for rural and urban communities and will ultimately help clean our air quality throughout the state.
Fossil fuel investments.
House Business and Labor Committee held House Bill 312 State Financial Contracts.
Early this week, a problematic bill that would prevent the state from doing business with financial institutions that have shifted away from fossil fuel investments was held for further study in upcoming interim sessions.

Why oppose?: Current federal subsidies prove that oil and gas industries are treated fairly, and government bodies shouldn’t control financial institutions’ free market or investment decisions. Further, financial institutions are naturally moving away from oil and gas investments as the industry declines.
Great news, now what?: While there wont be any movement of this bill during the 2022 session, it is important to note that this bill barley missed the required votes pass committee— meaning we could possibly see a reintroduction in the following years.
Free Public Transit.
House Revenue and Taxation Committee held House Bill 164 Public Transit Fares.
This week House Bill 164 Public Transit Fares, a bill that HEAL Utah strongly supports, was held for further study in upcoming interim sessions.

Why support?: Investing in public transit and removing cost barriers will help address mobility and air quality issues throughout the state.
Bad news, now what? : While it is unfortunate news, HEAL will continue to watch this bill during interim sessions and will continue to support similar legislation in the following years. During the committee hearing legislatures expressed their interest in free fare funding for smaller groups, such as free fares for students or possible designated days for free or reduced fares, like free fare Saturdays.
All the bills!










Passed the House (66 yeas, 0 nays, 9 absent) and will be sent to the Senate Floor for the signature of the speaker.



Passed Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee with favorable recommendations and has been assigned to be heard on the Senate Floor ( Last House)




Last day to lobby! (+ Donuts)

Can you believe it’s the last week!?
Join HEAL Utah this Thursday, March 3rd for our final Citizen Lobbying of the 2022 legislative session!
This event will be in-person and virtual with citizen lobbying training and updates, lobbying opportunities, as well as the ability to watch LIVE floor time with us as we lobby our legislators!
You can join us at any time that day after 9 am during floor times!