[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6300658,"mediaKeyId","2492754-50cfc06110a64217ee1722aa2bc26db9","parentId",2492754,"title","Committee narrowly approves bill requiring electric handheld landscaping tools at state properties on Wasatch Front","audioSeconds",1003,"startMs",3306955,"endMs",4310550,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2492754-50cfc06110a64217ee1722aa2bc26db9&start=3306&end=4310","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2492754-50cfc06110a64217ee1722aa2bc26db9/thumbnail_3306955.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6300658/Utah/Committee-narrowly-approves-bill-requiring-electric-handheld-landscaping-tools-at-state-properties-on-Wasatch-Front","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300658-1248d5d9a402a5141d7b64cfacfb5a79/orig.mp4?Expires=1771124076&Signature=IW8YO3TSw82bquRW6Xr11ixNjHYq7L2DPbrCOf6GF7NndaVtnGjEe3Pb8WBbczoMUoyij1cZC7Ctqe5fwzZtz~UFMsxg6cZMQMWj3yrNh-QZlNzaUz-sgyihzG2ZtMu7SiipoyPZTXJ-2-yQfk2z0sqQkUtE3rlD~zJUElj3WGvaGo~72ixpb0pUaT95HfaELsHa5e~~17nID1fn5BPs-2a4MqA0CKIXoLzUVBUBFIWaG8NPKuOjBuXUfd6JUcvgaJ4xErDxiiwVhwMIvYlhllvdl7oa1ruCyhWd3yd0ZyMcZKvtUmYEz-Ehog1GKoiJzWH9z2ZpNubHeXvwFcUvOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Utah State Legislature","date","2025-03-04T00:00:00Z","article","Senator Pitcher told the committee SB 124 would require state facilities along the Wasatch Front (Weber, Davis, Salt Lake and Utah counties) to replace two-stroke handheld landscaping equipment with electric equivalents when the existing gasoline-powered equipment reaches retirement.

Pitcher described the measure as a measured, limited step prompted by a 2021 pilot conducted by the Division of Facilities and Construction Management that tested electric equipment on state campuses; the pilot’s report showed positive feedback and lower maintenance costs, he said. The bill applies only to state employees working on state properties and excludes private contractors and sod farms; the sponsor stressed the bill is limited to handheld two-stroke equipment and to the specified counties.

Public testimony included both support and opposition. Piper Christian of Stewardship Utah urged passage and cited agency data that “volatile organic compound emissions from lawn equipment exceed that of all industrial activity on the Wasatch Front by 2 tons per day.” Opponents — Easton Harris (a sod farmer) and Kirk Harris (All American Sod Farm) — said battery-powered equipment has operational limitations: shorter run times, frequent recharging, higher replacement costs for batteries, and potential needs for on-site charging infrastructure or portable generators; they warned mandates could increase labor and equipment costs and reduce efficiency for crews that move between sites.

Nick Meekum of the Department of Government Operations said the department is neutral on the bill and that Senator Pitcher had been responsive to operational concerns. Representative Owens, who moved the favorable recommendation, said two-stroke engines are a “low-hanging fruit” for improving air quality and reiterated that the bill targets a narrow set of state facilities and equipment.

On a roll-call vote the committee approved SB 124 (fourth substitute) 6–4. The transcript roll call recorded the following positions: Yes — Representative Bennion, Representative Coford, Representative Monson, Representative Owens, Representative Shallenberger, Representative Watkins; No — Representative Bollinger, Representative Chu (Chew/Chew spelled in transcript as “Chew”), Vice Chair Shipp, Chair Albrecht. The sponsor said sod farms are excluded and noted the pilot program’s positive results.

Why it matters: the bill aims to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from small gasoline-powered landscape tools in the Wasatch Front air basin and to test the operational practicality of electrification on state properties; opponents raised short-term operational and cost concerns for landscape contractors and sod farms.

Votes at a glance: Motion to pass SB 124 with a favorable recommendation (mover: Representative Owens). Roll-call result: yes 6, no 4.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee - March 04, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senator Pitcher told the committee SB 124 would require state facilities on the Wasatch Front to replace two-stroke handheld landscaping equipment with electric tools as equipment retires.","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},6300663,"Committee advances bill to let Utah Lake Authority and UVU begin nature-center planning; funding and building approvals expected later",278,2162415,2440515,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2492754-50cfc06110a64217ee1722aa2bc26db9&start=2162&end=2440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2492754-50cfc06110a64217ee1722aa2bc26db9/thumbnail_2162415.jpg","/articles/6300663/Utah/Committee-advances-bill-to-let-Utah-Lake-Authority-and-UVU-begin-nature-center-planning-funding-and-building-approvals-expected-later","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300663-70c6134199d4d8c99ea68c2360607509/orig.mp4?Expires=1771124076&Signature=Zuj0wvBQCAvNoaCGJC5Bcd7UBo2VoG-D8011BMqsnmKHSJgVD8bfz8bmNl1B0CNq0FYaxZln3lwZ8xVgAi1Fm4XjWI76bDwnBlTno03K8~v7Ark0FF5-9BB0UfdNW~EfzEBcQ64kB2aKsj7GKjv4VCDCdM2BVBA-jPdpjzJ0-gf5Zjv~7HXfsU4gm5R31cP8cN1WK0nDK80RqYEfle7zZVzE9S3UXcif~UEk~JAmAYbbfDwOULslnJ5JflvLGarne~r1Pg56lTJ0RFdqiva6iygC93n8MOcJJXnVA6s~dniLczFLMaW1K4o2sAkW9tL0X002jX36H69iGQz0SvmOwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Brammer told the committee SB 319 creates terms for a planned research and nature center tied to the Utah Lake Authority and Utah Valley University (UVU). The bill reallocates restricted funds currently reserved for Utah Lake trails and related projects so the Utah Lake Authority and UVU can begin environmental study and programming work for a nature center while final construction funding would be addressed later through the building board.

Committee members asked about the fiscal note and whether the nature center is funded immediately. Senator Brammer and others said the center itself is not yet built and that construction funding would likely come through the State Building Board in a subsequent session. He said some federal funds and donated land are already in place and that the bill primarily sets a framework for collaboration between UVU and the Utah Lake Authority.

Representative Bolander raised fiscal questions; online testimony from Cody Hughes, superintendent of Juab School District, and comments from others reflected concerns about timing and prior coordination with related bills. Senator Brammer said the Utah Lake Authority has been a vehicle to engage multiple state agencies and local interests and that this bill clarifies how UVU and the authority will work together on the proposed center.

The committee voted to pass SB 319 with a favorable recommendation; the vote was unanimous on the floor of the committee.

Why it matters: the measure enables early-stage environmental and program work on a nature center intended to support research and stewardship at Utah Lake without immediately obligating capital construction funds. The committee and sponsor emphasized that final construction approval and appropriations will proceed through standard state building and budgeting processes.

Votes at a glance: Motion to recommend SB 319 favorably (mover: Representative Shallenberger); committee approved the bill and forwarded it to the House floor.","The committee recommended SB 319, which enables a Utah Lake Authority–Utah Valley University collaboration on a planned nature center and reallocates restricted Utah Lake funds for environmental and programming work; final building and construction funding will proceed through the building board and future appropriations.",{"_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},6300668,"Committee adopts SB 132 substitute to let new large power customers pursue alternative suppliers; transmission-cost split left to PSC review",1235,856050,2091110,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2492754-50cfc06110a64217ee1722aa2bc26db9&start=856&end=2091","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2492754-50cfc06110a64217ee1722aa2bc26db9/thumbnail_856050.jpg","/articles/6300668/Utah/Committee-adopts-SB-132-substitute-to-let-new-large-power-customers-pursue-alternative-suppliers-transmission-cost-split-left-to-PSC-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300668-143241258c85e886558b07d75f35dd56/orig.mp4?Expires=1771124076&Signature=KVSJxlfNPtnMXtlCdKbrUt3pxbUwyEvZA3xJ7iRL6x0o7H-onSclAXMeSbYpRbQC7gTg~Indy1sfCH5owdJd-WkKhYTIumMMghlmbciyEZG~S~E~EOR62QYqzvJsQwTOOmmWrsD8YSdDGBTIUlWTXvreJ3-Rey3JZvMMzShqqmu88X8R7JMrh3X8vqVxskl6txCJgmUtQnidsAColDN1W7snffi5E3nqtyHdrb0geffPq5M6QB2ASbS1yeY2hQIVCYIZaXHnkUKUaW3eQlgInoUDbkCgamnSP7hfzYGRETTiKHiudAv6vKTghmKmHlzbo8n9eAiEp68YWy48biuRFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Sand, presenting SB 132 (third substitute) to the House Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Standing Committee on March 4, said the bill creates a competitive option for very large new electrical loads — data centers, industrial consumers or large manufacturers — to contract with alternate generators instead of being served only under the incumbent regulated utility’s framework. Senator Sand called the bill “a break from our traditional regulated monopoly” intended to attract large customers to Utah.

The substitute sets a threshold in the bill (the sponsor said 50 megawatts) for what the bill considers a large load and contemplates that prospective customers may first approach Rocky Mountain Power or seek alternative generators. If the proposed generation requires transmission across the grid, that element would go to the Utah Public Service Commission (PSC) to determine how much transmission cost should be socialized across the general rate base and how much should be assigned directly to the new load or generator. Senator Sand said the PSC could hire outside counsel or use in-house resources to determine an appropriate cost allocation.

Industry and consumer advocates gave mixed testimony in public comment. Craig Eller, senior vice president of resource strategy and development for Rocky Mountain Power, said the company generally sees the bill as workable but raised concerns about (1) language in lines 169–176 of the third substitute that Rocky Mountain Power believes could allow customers to choose a fixed tariff rather than participate in contracts under the program, and (2) Section 901, which Rocky Mountain Power said delays negotiation by pushing transmission-cost allocation to a PSC process that must be completed by January 1 in the bill’s timeline and could jeopardize timely agreement with large customers. Eller warned that some transmission costs may be appropriate to socialize because the wider grid will benefit; others should be assigned to the new load.

Stuart Clayson of NAOP (commercial real estate) and other business commenters supported the bill as a pathway to secure power for expanding industrial and commercial projects; Clayson said communities had lost projects for lack of delivered power. Michelle Beck, director of the Utah Office of Consumer Services (consumer advocate), asked caution on “beneficiary pays” approaches and raised concerns about shifting transmission costs to existing retail customers; she said the utility can represent customers but also shareholder interests and urged careful allocation.

The committee first adopted the third substitute and then voted to pass SB 132 with a favorable recommendation. Sponsors and other members said they would continue working to clarify language — in particular the Section 901 transmission provisions and the lines referenced by Rocky Mountain Power — to make sure existing ratepayers are protected while the state creates a pathway for new large loads.

Why it matters: committee members described the bill as a tool to attract large electricity consumers — including data centers and manufacturing — and to allow new generation to compete to serve those loads while preserving mechanisms for the PSC to adjudicate how transmission costs are allocated. Supporters argued the change is needed to respond to high-growth prospects that outpace traditional utility-planning assumptions; critics and the utility urged clearer protections for existing retail customers.

Votes at a glance: The committee adopted the third substitute (adoption motion moved and approved) and then voted to recommend SB 132 (third substitute) favorably; the transcript records unanimous committee approval on voice vote. Public commenters raised substantive issues with Section 901 and lines 169–176 that sponsors said they would keep negotiating.","The committee unanimously adopted and favorably recommended SB 132 (third substitute), an electricity bill creating a competitive path for very large new loads (roughly 50 MW) to secure generation outside the regulated utility, with disputed transmission-cost allocation subject to review by the Public Service Commission.",{"_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},6300673,"Utah committee backs resolution asking industry, state groups to craft critical-minerals strategy",782,55595,838500,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2492754-50cfc06110a64217ee1722aa2bc26db9&start=55&end=838","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2492754-50cfc06110a64217ee1722aa2bc26db9/thumbnail_55595.jpg","/articles/6300673/Utah/Utah-committee-backs-resolution-asking-industry-state-groups-to-craft-critical-minerals-strategy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300673-b238342a2ac01415cb5fd38d286c59a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771124076&Signature=IGaaeD313lfjTUD1yg-B0zYbxQPF6jja0ZzPDOQo8laiw6YyMcTWIQO-NMTUzOHmGBlGU2WOIL0QZCXAF0rghp~E5DFzmFkNdYeixHWH-FGvqIjcYL2dSyuOhNVvealPKllEtMBChD0l2I4XuZ43mLLo~WpIBlaGy1R3W91HVo8SSUsbG4mV2Xo~CDIcnSHAuGVus3EKm0WBxFMxQkQB90L-bgDcwzESB7SvrwIv0S8s1OpYOFfRvrCG4JvKktuBHa4L1U73L9cHBXQGQSanfacnSduKzYnosRRzjcRyBoMH~56CNsdpBZAMEsJ4wIUVe2Fb5h2d-XqqN8KokJwgxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Millner told the House Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Standing Committee on March 4 that Utah holds deposits on the federal critical-minerals list and needs a statewide strategy to develop them.

The resolution, SJR 11, calls on the Utah Mining Association, a federal Economic Development Administration grantee (referred to in testimony as “47 gs”) and the World Trade Center to form a study group and come back to the Legislature with recommendations on how the state can responsibly tap critical minerals. Senator Millner said, “we're very dependent on certain critical minerals, not only for national defense, but for our electronics, for just our general way of life in this country.”

The measure does not fund the study or create a legislative task force; it asks existing organizations to coordinate and return findings. Millner said the resolution is meant to avoid “lots of independent work streams” and to show “Utah works together to make these things happen.” The sponsor framed the resolution as a step toward a state-level strategy in response to global supply risks, noting that “we're 100% dependent on imports for 16 of those minerals from China,” and that Utah may have deposits for roughly 40 of the 50 federal critical minerals.

Public commenters from industry supported the resolution. Brian Summers, president of the Utah Mining Association, told the committee the association “believe[s] that Utah is very well positioned to lead the national conversation,” and thanked Senator Millner for initiating the request to produce a unified strategy. Josh Brown of the Utah Manufacturers Association also urged support, calling the resolution “a good opportunity” to reduce U.S. dependency on foreign processing.

Representative Bennion attempted a verbal amendment to add language about “primary and secondary processing methodologies,” then offered a substitute amendment to add a line referencing stewardship of state lands; the committee voted the substitute down. After debate the committee voted to recommend SJR 11 favorably; the motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: committee members and industry witnesses said the resolution could help align state, industry and academic efforts to identify where critical minerals exist in Utah and how to process them to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. The resolution does not allocate state funding or change permitting or land management law; it requests a coordinated study and a return to the Legislature.

Votes at a glance: The committee recorded a motion to recommend SJR 11 out of committee (mover: Representative Bullwander). The committee approved a favorable recommendation by voice vote; no roll-call vote was recorded in the transcript.

The resolution will be reported out of committee to the full House for further action.","The House Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee on March 4 unanimously recommended SJR 11, a resolution asking three Utah organizations to convene a working group to study the state's critical-mineral resources and return recommendations to the Legislature.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee narrowly approves bill requiring electric handheld landscaping tools at state properties on Wasatch Front

Committee advances bill to let Utah Lake Authority and UVU begin nature-center planning; funding and building approvals expected later

Committee adopts SB 132 substitute to let new large power customers pursue alternative suppliers; transmission-cost split left to PSC review

Utah committee backs resolution asking industry, state groups to craft critical-minerals strategy