Capitol Report Week 2
Radon, Idling, Hydrogen, and Clean Energy.
7 days down, 38 more to go!
During the first week of this year’s legislative session, state lawmakers introduced over 400 pieces of legislation. Governor Cox addressed our lawmakers with his hopes and priorities, and the initial movement on important environmental legislation started.
We also had our first two community lobbying trainings, with over 20 of you showing up in person and virtually! Together we broke down bills, discussed our concerns, and even got to talk to our lawmakers face-to-face. We are excited to continue our trainings and invite you to register here.
If you cannot attend due to other commitments, check out our latest blog post with tips on taking action during the legislative session.
The Good
Pieces of legislation that HEAL Utah currently supports.
S.C.R. 2| Senate Concurrent Resolution Regarding the Environmental Impact of Vehicle Idling | Sen. Fillmore, Lincoln
What: This Concurrent Resolution encourages individuals to adopt the “Turn Your Key, Be Idle Free” campaign.
Why Support?Vehicle-source emissions are one of the most significant sources of pollution throughout the valley. By supporting this resolution, the Legislature will create a precedent for future vehicle-sourced emission legislation while encouraging individuals and businesses to adopt an ongoing idling-free campaign.
Resolution V.S. Bills: These pieces of legislation do not regulate or create law but can set the groundwork for future regulations and highlight an issue.
Where is it?:This resolution will be discussed and voted on in the Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee in the near future.
Take Action
If your lawmakers are committee members of the Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee. Reach out to them and ask them to SUPPORT this legislation.
Need help creating your email/ want more details? Click here.
S.B 28 | Senate Bill 28: Radon Related Amendments.
What: This piece of legislation would direct the Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control to develop an online radon gas test data collection mechanism and create a map that can be used to report and address testing and mitigation in public buildings.
Why Support it?: By creating a system that will track radon gas, the state can formulate action plans to mitigate radon gas exposure in public buildings, like our schools and public libraries. The bill also ensures that this information will be accessible to the public.
Radon:Radon gas is a background radioactive contaminant in our daily lives that increases the risk of lung cancer. Radon gas can be naturally or artificially occurring, meaning that some spaces could have more radioactive contamination than others.
Where is it?: This bill has been held in the Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee.
Next steps
Our team is working on reaching out to stakeholders to understand the next steps to push this forward. Our team is also looking into language to require radon testing in public schools.
The New
Pieces of legislation that HEAL Utah is watching.
Senate Bill 48
What: Titled Energy Producers States’ Agreement Amendments, this bill would direct the state legislature to participate in The Energy Council and provide for the appointment, power, and duties.
Background: The Energy Council is a nonpartisan legislative organization comprising 14 energy-producing states and two Canadian provinces. It allows better communication between policymakers to discuss energy issues that impact their states,understand energy markets, and produce/develop energy policies.
Actions: This bill passed the Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Standing Committee with a favorable recommendation and is now heading to the Senate.
Senate Bill 62
What:7-9 members will make up the Council, which will include people with expertise in hydrogen energy, project facilities, production, processing, and in the renewable and fossil fuel power generation industries.
Background: 7-9 members will be appointed by ED for four-year terms but staggered so that half of the council is appointed every two years. Council will be made up of people with expertise in the following areas: hydrogen energy in general, project facilities, producers and processors, renewable and fossil fuel power generation industries.
Actions: This bill passed the Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee and is now heading to the Senate.
Ways to get involved this week!
This year there are 17 new lawmakers and a completely redrawn map dividing districts throughout the State. With all these new changes, there is a chance you have new representation up on the hill. We encourage you to visit le.utah.gov to find your new lawmakers and then reach out to them to introduce yourself and ask about their priorities for this year.
Need help writing an email? Visit our Introduce Yourself to your Lawmakers action alert for more information and a draft email.
Melanie Hall
Policy Director for the Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah (HEAL Utah)