Capitol Report Week 3
Utah “Water Week”
21 days down, 24 more to go!
Last week lawmakers dedicated the whole week to water-related legislation to address Utah’s ongoing drought issues and protection of the Great Salt Lake.
While there were some great steps taken toward conservation, our lawmakers must take more proactive steps to reduce Utah’s contribution to climate change and prevent air quality threats from the drying of the Great Salt Lake.
Keep reading to get a breakdown of the new, the good, and the not-so-good from this week.
The New
One Year of Free Fares For Public Transit
There has been a funding request to support a statewide zero-fare transit pilot program and study for a single year. $25,000,000 would replace the unsubsidized transit system fares for one year. $500,000 of this funding would allow for further study of the ridership, economic, and environmental impacts associated with the pilot.
TAKE ACTION! Contact the Executive Appropriations Committee and ask them to prioritize this funding.
Increase Radon Testing and Education
There has been a funding request of $20,000 to support rural communities with Radon Testing kits and educational materials. This funding would support 9 years of distribution and will help gather data on radon levels in rural communities.
TAKE ACTION! Contact the Executive Appropriations Committee and ask them to prioritize this funding.
The Good
Air Quality Research in the Uinta Basin
Last week House Bill 319 (H.B. 319) Uintah Basin Air Quality Research Project Amendments passed the House Natural Resources committee with Yeas 9 Nays 0 Abs.This bill will now move to the House Floor for a vote.
TAKE ACTION! Contact your REPRESENTATIVES and ask them to VOTE IN FAVOR.
Future Brine Shrimp On Your License Plate?
Senate Bill 92 (S.B. 92) GSL Special License Plate passed the Senate Floor with Yeas 25 Nays 2 Abs 2. This bill will now move to the House Transportation Committee.
TAKE ACTION! Contact House Transportation Committee members and ask them to VOTE IN FAVOR!
The Not-So-Good
Schools won’t be funded to reduce energy and water consumption.
House Bill 217 (H.B. 217) School Energy and Water Reductions died in the House Education Committee. You can watch the full discussion here.
Our team supported this bill as it would have helped fund energy conservation upgrades at school districts throughout the state.
TAKE ACTION! Contact the members of the House Education Committee and ask them to reconsider + express your concerns about not passing this bill.
A target elevation for the Great Salt Lake fails.
Concurrent Resolution Regarding the Great Salt Lake Elevation Targets (S.C.R. 6) was held in the Senate Natural Resources and is not expected to move forward this year. Watch the full committee discussion here. This resolution would have set a target goal of 4,198 feet in water elevation needed to prevent the worst effects from drying of the Great Salt Lake.
TAKE ACTION: Contact the members of the Senate Natural Resources Committee and voice your concerns about stalling this resolution.
More movement
Senate Bill 94 (S.B. 94) passed the Senate Floor —this bill modifies provisions related to fossil fuel industries accessing special funds.
Senate Bill 62 (S.B. 62) passed the House Public utilities—this bill directs the Department of Natural Resources to establish a hydrogen council within the Office of Energy Development which may advise on issues related to hydrogen.
House Bill 221 (H.B. 221) passed the House Natural Resources committee—this bill expands the environmental improvement projects for which grants may be awarded.
Senate Bill 48 (S.B. 48) Passed the Senate floor—the bill directs the state legislature to participate in the Energy Council and provides for the appointment and power and duties of members.
Ways to get involved this week!
Join HEAL Utah for Women’s Day on the Hill next Tuesday, February 14th! During this free lobbying training, our team will break down important environmental bills and help connect you to lawmakers to discuss both women’s rights and environmental issues. This is a free training at the Utah State Capitol, but a virtual option will also be available.
Details
What: Women’s Day on the Hill
When: Tuesday, February 14, 2023, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Where: Virtual on Zoom or In-person at the Utah State Capitol Room 210
Alex Veilleux
Policy Associate for the Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah (HEAL Utah)