[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6319216,"mediaKeyId","2363249-99b5f36e832d58f972008d27cf3b2518","parentId",2363249,"title","Committee approves HB 378 to create steady funding for species protection; debate centers on taxing wind and solar","audioSeconds",2667,"startMs",2776000,"endMs",5443000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2363249-99b5f36e832d58f972008d27cf3b2518&start=2776&end=5443","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2363249-99b5f36e832d58f972008d27cf3b2518/thumbnail_2776000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6319216/Utah/Committee-approves-HB-378-to-create-steady-funding-for-species-protection-debate-centers-on-taxing-wind-and-solar","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6319216-b780296a0f5223f9dfd9197d6f37173d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775393922&Signature=oLPiQm5hWsBbCx9f57DMrD5K7jCCGu-blOKDK~DHqrGh4CuwUO-STAx~dR06NuLjgmk4cILvbKBArdMBDcPsfhqVFkE5ZuWAd3o4M7dtlhbMRCJqhHk4nUSe92ZTexQSNAOmsqbJKRRywhFsiRSdzp2hvhEDkJvrcxTavqQR38WZU8sKVr0RNz0ZID11mln~OWXMyS2VVvFkKvVmO9q9AR8UVRxo7ANPwkayTQXrGnQqsct3Bv90of4qpr89bVC8NN6m~upR8ZtnxRYHR75ALRabMkz2jG7bykCcA1xllTwp0oc4pCY1vWPsgpjraiQG7Js83Hkf~~i7d3pKUzCi~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Utah State Legislature","date","2025-02-20T00:00:00Z","article","The committee passed HB 378 (first substitute) on June 12, advancing a proposal to establish a steadier funding stream for the state's species protection account (previously called the Endangered Species Mitigation Fund).

Sponsor Representative Snyder said the fund supports work to prevent listings and to recover or de‑list species. The bill would identify and redirect several potential revenue streams into the species protection account: a portion of some transmission/royalty receipts, a proposed share of future depleted uranium disposal receipts (a revenue source being debated in the Senate separate from this bill), and a newly proposed rate applied to utility‑scale wind and solar projects. Snyder said the intent is to raise an aggregate $5–10 million per year to expand proactive conservation, studies and mitigation work. He described the proposal as modeled in part on approaches used in Wyoming.

Director Riley Peck (Division of Wildlife Resources) explained the fund's current limits and said more consistent revenue would allow the division to do proactive studies, mitigation and monitoring so the state can answer listing petitions with robust technical data rather than reactively responding to potential listings. He cited large historic costs for surveys and mitigation when a species becomes listed.

The bill generated substantial public comment and pushback from renewable developers, counties and trade associations who said a new tax on wind and solar — particularly if applied retroactively to contracted or already financed projects — would harm project economics, threaten jobs and local tax revenue, and could chill future investment. Theresa Foxley (R Plus Energies), Luke Peyton (DESRI), and Christian Gardner and others testified that projects were financed under existing rules and could not absorb the proposed additional annual charge without endangering project feasibility. Rural county and economic development representatives said the projects produce substantial local tax revenue and jobs. Several industry and resource trade groups (Utah Association of Counties, Utah Petroleum Association, Utah Mining Association, Utah Taxpayers Association, Utah Farm Bureau) supported a stable fund but urged alternative revenue approaches and more time to negotiate a compromise including non‑retroactive language.

Other commenters — central Utah water, sportsmen and conservation organizations, the advisory board for the existing mitigation fund, and representatives of oil, gas and mining — urged the committee to establish reliable, predictable funding, arguing the fund has had multi‑year variability that reduces the state's ability to prevent listings and mitigate impacts. Steve Erickson (Downwinders) objected to including depleted uranium receipts as a funding source and said that material presents unique public‑health and siting concerns; he urged removing that proposed source.

Representative Shallenberg moved to adopt the first substitute and Representative Chiu moved the favorable recommendation; the committee adopted the substitute and then passed the bill with a favorable recommendation. Committee and public testimony recorded a mix of support for the fund and strong objections to the proposed wind/solar levy, especially if applied retroactively to in‑flight projects.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee - February 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Natural Resources Interim Committee approved the first substitute to HB 378, a bill to establish a stable state species protection fund and to identify potential revenue streams including transmission royalties and a proposed levy on wind and solar projects.","taxTitle","2025 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah","taxId",78171,"location","Utah","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6319219,"Committee advances HB 3309 with changes to wildlife management, license and WMA rules",1266,1412000,2678000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2363249-99b5f36e832d58f972008d27cf3b2518&start=1412&end=2678","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2363249-99b5f36e832d58f972008d27cf3b2518/thumbnail_1412000.jpg","/articles/6319219/Utah/Committee-advances-HB-3309-with-changes-to-wildlife-management-license-and-WMA-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6319219-76ecc2d3fba850c66e63785a832f19ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1775393922&Signature=SKIkl2969njuvVfCrMwbC0fEj8eXnaEFEzrmBBSjup7XUtsAaQ3FXB4wqskQ8x9GnuxmN~62JjpzU3rO2uBIYC1oE7nIAUPcOmyb7zawuNKDQaQLxS5qgC9HwlYZ3Y~~1t-zi1hpYEQhuxKleVGtSEfEdZEY1aM07UQfElSMdLDgEjR-w4Evp36w-XPRzrpcP2gtppMpGdcVF~LtmNU1JowDek6hFLxF1iRrbH60naEor~eXmqQ4TPBSst5I2Sm3j7I-S4FqZDD8eP9TFr4QV7VW9P7ZgDvqac67jOydGGsZA4ZStqq2rqtC4zpR9CKyzEDBz8exnfs4jatKA6KFOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Natural Resources Interim Committee on June 12 passed HB 3309 (second substitute), a package of wildlife amendments that includes multiple changes to wildlife administration, means and methods, loss compensation, and governance of the state Wildlife Board and regional advisory councils.

Representative Snyder, the sponsor, described provisions in the second substitute: clarifying allowed tools for taking certain wild non‑protected species (for example, coyotes and skunks may be taken with night vision and spotlights); removing prior provisions related to feeding big game; creating a multiplier for livestock loss reimbursement (similar to a multiplier used in Wyoming) for sheep taken by predators; clarifying that Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in counties of the first or second class require a hunting or fishing license for access; and proposing that participants in wildlife rulemaking processes (Regional Advisory Councils and the Wildlife Board) have baseline hunting or fishing license participation to ensure those making decisions have familiarity with hunting and fishing processes.

Director Riley Peck of the Division of Wildlife Resources told the committee the changes are intended to support proactive wildlife management, increase clarity, and fund better pre‑listing and mitigation work in some contexts. Members discussed transition provisions: the bill clarifies that individuals already serving on a regional advisory council as of the statute's effective date would not be subject to the new license requirement unless reappointed.

Public commenters included representatives of the Utah Sportsmen's Caucus, Utah Farm Bureau, Utah Wool Growers Association, CWMU Association, livestock producers, conservation organizations and others. Supporters said the multiplier and other provisions help producers and align with North American conservation models; opponents, including Western Wildlife Conservancy, urged that license requirements for board membership would exclude nonconsumptive stakeholders and weaken public representation. Kirk Robinson of Western Wildlife Conservancy argued that buying a hunting license is not a reliable indicator of expertise and said the provision would exclude the views of most Utahns who do not hunt.

Representative Bolander moved the committee recommendation; the second substitute passed with recorded opposition of one member. The committee transcript records discussion, substantial public comment, and a final committee vote recorded as \"Any opposed? 1 no.\"","The Natural Resources Interim Committee advanced HB 3309 (second substitute) to the full Legislature after debate about hunting license requirements for advisory bodies, livestock loss multipliers and WMA access rules.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6319220,"Committee adopts resolution reaffirming Utah’s interpretation of Colorado River allocation",310,1125000,1435000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2363249-99b5f36e832d58f972008d27cf3b2518&start=1125&end=1435","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2363249-99b5f36e832d58f972008d27cf3b2518/thumbnail_1125000.jpg","/articles/6319220/Utah/Committee-adopts-resolution-reaffirming-Utahs-interpretation-of-Colorado-River-allocation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6319220-39bf00b79dc6595a06a5f37ac0c8f300/orig.mp4?Expires=1775393922&Signature=aYtibyE7jRKr5jY~2u6xcEuxse5i3eXdFgYA6P8mp-x9xqes2J0~A7k-7DjZyjy2VZS1gJKkW6LIr96k66KZui2cxZ~LkCwO9l8IXiyGxaqKo~Cz9gE6JQLSohm2I3tpr3J8~DU--fyowPHgQbifBX0xGwZDGbN8EMUJblyChC73MgK5VFOEinCyGzOsRhLWA07ThNU3sQxruw-nzEBMjlEz~D3i6SFKKx~-kR1KOk4PStOKjYmMJ9vwDsN9bLRowegSS~NtakWCJSVd--AVfe4VllgGFqN4hOSMTIVwQwKLkD77wUK8XhF2BqR9p0TOWikPkbQywDTUvxqOOP9kdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee voted to pass HJR 95, a joint resolution regarding Utah's share of the Colorado River, with a favorable recommendation.

Representative Snyder, the sponsor, said the resolution is intended to reaffirm the state's position to the federal delegation and negotiators: Utah believes it retains the right to use its allocation of Colorado River water at any location the state can connect to the river, consistent with the terms of the 1922 Colorado River Compact and subsequent agreements. Snyder described the resolution as declarative guidance to negotiators rather than a technical or adjudicative change to law.

Representative Bennion asked about over‑allocation concerns; Snyder replied the committee was not taking up the complex re‑apportionment debate in the resolution and noted ongoing multi‑state discussions about flows and potential federal curtailment by the Bureau of Reclamation should the basin states not reach a solution.

No public commenters addressed the resolution in committee. Representative Covert moved the favorable recommendation; the committee recorded the motion and passed the resolution with no recorded opposition in the available transcript.","HJR 95 (sub 1) passed the committee; the joint resolution directs Utah's federal delegation and negotiators that the state asserts the right to use its Colorado River allocation at any location it can connect to the river consistent with the compact.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6319221,"Committee advances HB 478 to create regulatory framework for brine mining",956,172000,1128000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2363249-99b5f36e832d58f972008d27cf3b2518&start=172&end=1128","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2363249-99b5f36e832d58f972008d27cf3b2518/thumbnail_172000.jpg","/articles/6319221/Utah/Committee-advances-HB-478-to-create-regulatory-framework-for-brine-mining","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6319221-450e962cfc753a70a86b9c33d20ffc7c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775393922&Signature=bWk4KE8H9n~NQ~eZy0AGvvGtz84ztjTImJQpDECvbdXhw1Imq0TOUiYJBoCAGUQUMnuILT6Xtl5AtWnS4JBblyx8xKnbSzvt4Za2n4aSI2twN7PVq36GJOWKpsOPj3hh7r4lV5VbvP18xL9vYIwlE-V0zvIEI5O0L~VB36hv-MyXPagjcfsm8lpZPhj5VPIJIGxGog355yqZM64HDxY6u3V69cseaxhyfBQOEr9vsgbnbV7Ij4gZSyGhra5t3seWT1qzFBoyLskQN9tcygWP1uR-fcob319qcMlOvypSPDDhx45M1gRElHiCTddEy-G1VsI2gB8ll2NS9KSL4GQneQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee on June 12 advanced HB 478, the brine mining amendments, with a favorable recommendation.

Representative Bolander, the bill sponsor, told the committee the bill “is not a Great Salt Lake bill” but instead focuses on brine mining generally and implements what he described as the Brine Conservation Act. The bill would provide the Board of Oil, Gas and Mining jurisdiction and rulemaking authority for brine mining, add permitting requirements and well, storage, refining and transportation regulations, and create civil and criminal penalties and surety/bonding provisions.

Mick Thomas, director of the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining at the Department of Natural Resources, said the proposed changes “provide clarity on the regulatory structure and enable the board to adjudicate and resolve conflicts between operators on how to utilize and get to the resource,” and that the bill borrows processes analogous to existing oil and gas regulations. Thomas also noted that some water‑rights issues related to brine extraction are outside his division's authority.

Committee members and several in‑room and online stakeholders — including Brian Summers, president of the Utah Mining Association; Theresa Wilhelmsen, Utah State Engineer and director of the Division of Water Rights; and Mark Stratford from the Utah Water Task Force — offered support and urged continued interagency work on water rights and transparency. Steve Erickson of Great Basin Water Network recommended stronger language requiring the board to adopt rules (“shall” rather than “may”) and asked that information collected under the bill be made publicly available, particularly to the state engineer.

Representative Owens moved the favorable recommendation; the committee recorded the bill's passage with a favorable recommendation and no recorded opposition in the committee transcript.

Sponsor and agency witnesses said they view HB 478 as a start in a series of bills to create a regulatory framework for an industry that is already operating in the state.","HB 478 (Brine Mining Amendments), sponsored by Representative Bolander, passed the committee with a favorable recommendation after sponsor and agency witnesses described it as an initial regulatory framework giving the Board of Oil, Gas and Mining rulemaking authority and permitting provisions.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6319222,"Committee advances HB 439 to help small counties with OHV trail projects",167,0,167000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2363249-99b5f36e832d58f972008d27cf3b2518&start=0&end=167","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2363249-99b5f36e832d58f972008d27cf3b2518/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6319222/Utah/Committee-advances-HB-439-to-help-small-counties-with-OHV-trail-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6319222-735b1f948473e1c791d201f8c1482c7f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775393922&Signature=aIJbj8F~xcG-pVkvMwPBFTamHu9AT7gym2DgwYvHkGSi6VB8NGXhZdUKuivRA4U3cKljAV2utocQdv2hI~sIQr-M31pnhVae6cs7CRRP9pArYTpNFxaZOeEn8b3O83-t7GKNXalVeEV9LwyRTvF8XrniolF3USJ05-t8p5WspfUViMlPe3sKKWo~mPDHtRjDPYOvXhYdKXjwOouh5quvkmGqYc4IrgucB2b4ehgHUOaKZ3BaLyCfCJRFzAQ3e~YuYHQ~QEZvG2qnv90y9ytB2IADW97~kwXpmgdO4LZS~M18o8BJEpycto~RJzJ7Q3I~o1zgDOjQhm4AmhCD18AW3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee on June 12 voted to pass HB 439, the first substitute of the outdoor recreation revisions bill, with a favorable recommendation.

The bill revises grant eligibility and matching‑fund provisions for OHV (off‑highway vehicle) recreation projects to allow small counties and certain nonprofits to apply and complete projects that previously were unreachable because of a 25% upfront local match requirement. Representative Chu, the bill sponsor, described the change as a way to let counties and nonprofits apply and finish projects instead of being unable to apply because they “can't even finalize the contract with the final 25%,” citing Paiute County as an example of one that lacks the local funds.

Committee members who spoke in favor said the change targets counties with limited budgets and helps maintain and improve trails that receive significant use. One committee member noted that small counties sometimes spend scarce resources on essential equipment repairs — for example, replacing a grader tire — instead of moving forward on trail projects, and said the bill would help in those cases.

Public comment on the bill was limited. The committee chair closed the public comment period after confirming there were no online speakers, and members unanimously approved moving the first substitute forward.

The committee's action sends the first substitute of HB 439 forward with a recommendation that the full Legislature consider the revised matching and eligibility provisions when the bill is scheduled.

The committee did not discuss additional funding amounts or detailed implementation steps during the recorded discussion.","The interim committee voted to pass HB 439, a first-substitute bill that adjusts grant eligibility to help smaller counties and nonprofits complete off‑highway vehicle (OHV) recreation projects that require local matching funds.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee approves HB 378 to create steady funding for species protection; debate centers on taxing wind and solar

Committee advances HB 3309 with changes to wildlife management, license and WMA rules

Committee adopts resolution reaffirming Utah’s interpretation of Colorado River allocation

Committee advances HB 478 to create regulatory framework for brine mining

Committee advances HB 439 to help small counties with OHV trail projects