SALT LAKE CITY – Utah’s all-of-the-above approach to energy has provided reliable, affordable and sustainable power for decades. Investing in the state’s energy capabilities is a top priority this session for the Utah Senate and House Majority Caucuses. With onerous federal regulations and policies, lawmakers are committed to fighting back and passing policies that ensure Utah’s current and future needs are met.
“Our goal is to build a stronger and more sustainable energy sector for generations to come,” President J. Stuart Adams. “Affordable energy has been a key component of Utah’s economic success and must continue to be a priority. Our state has everything it needs to achieve energy independence: abundant natural resources, innovative industries, cutting-edge research from our esteemed universities, businesses willing to invest and a determined spirit. Utahns deserve to have energy that is reliable and affordable.”
Ensuring the state has a long-term strategic energy plan will foster economic growth and build a more competitive energy market that lowers energy costs for Utahns, protects ratepayers, and creates a cleaner, safer grid. Through consistent efforts, lawmakers are striving to build a stronger, more sustainable economy and energy system while protecting the natural beauty of the state.
“Utah’s approach to keeping the lights on is reasonable, responsible and realistic,” said Speaker Mike Schultz. “Unlike the federal government, we’re taking a thoughtful approach to ensure we have the energy supply Utah needs. We will continue to pass policies based in reality and push back against impractical regulations while working toward a cleaner energy future.”
The following bills will protect and strengthen Utah’s energy:
H.B. 48 Utah Energy Act Amendments (Rep. Colin Jack, Sen. David Hinkins)
- Builds on H.B. 426 from 2023 by implementing recommendations from the energy strike team to establish a long-term strategic plan for state energy resources.
H.B. 124 Energy Infrastructure Amendments (Rep. Carl Albrecht, Sen. Derrin Owens)
- Expands the high-cost infrastructure tax credit (post-performance) to apply to nuclear, geothermal, pumped storage, and carbon sequestration projects.
H.B. 191 Electrical Energy Amendments (Rep. Colin Jack, Sen. Ron Winterton)
- Protects Utah’s baseload power by requiring a regulated utility to replace any shut down power plant with a power plant of equal capacity.
H.B. 241 Clean Energy Amendments (Rep. Carl Albrecht, Sen. Derrin Owens)
- Redirects the state to invest in projects with clean energy sources such as nuclear, geothermal, pumped storage, and carbon sequestration projects.
H.B. 374 State Energy Policy Amendments (Rep. Colin Jack, Sen. Evan Vickers)
- Shifts the state energy policy to focus on improving the lives of Utahns. The new policy will be guided by the following principles: adequate, reliable, dispatchable, affordable, and clean.
H.B. 410 San Rafael State Energy Lab (Rep. Christine Watkins)
- Creates the State Energy Lab and establishes the San Rafael Energy Research Center.
H.B. 48, H.B. 191 and H.B. 374 will be heard in the House Public Utilities, Energy and Technology Committee on Monday, January 29 at 2 p.m. in Senate Building 110. H.B. 124 will be heard in the House Revenue and Taxation Committee on Tuesday, January 30 at 3:40 p.m. in Capitol 445. H.B. 241 passed the House Public Utilities, Energy and Technology Committee with a favorable recommendation and awaits further consideration.
Tags: Energy Policy