[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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],{"_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",6183020,"mediaKeyId","5100689-c7c6e19f56ef08101311c26c6529aff7","parentId",5100689,"title","Federal changes force Utah to rerun broadband grant round; state aims to preserve fiber priority and digital access work","audioSeconds",1096,"startMs",4774000,"endMs",5870000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5100689-c7c6e19f56ef08101311c26c6529aff7&start=4774&end=5870","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5100689-c7c6e19f56ef08101311c26c6529aff7/thumbnail_4774000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6183020/Utah/Federal-changes-force-Utah-to-rerun-broadband-grant-round-state-aims-to-preserve-fiber-priority-and-digital-access-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6183020-6f5176e44b26638a9ac61a247b5c4f43/orig.mp4?Expires=1770896399&Signature=SBEpyWsfVhi1tpkU~7dDp7YkxN5rZ0uRcebWWq8J9IPYsdgSHQxd3KhSflzW11BYbUkNLZj87wb8b2JiNjeDa8yh1KqccY~QRNR9a~w874nGU7RiU4WvA1GRAJUn6lWpWM13a4C5jsXBW68hp0E6USM562QdAA6wNWvkwkoJhTSXoERQUeAUXg3KwSR5oYswgGbfPkovBI9zGPVCtItyG~UWxcPCG-YldW48sYhc2dSjPTqpQmyhDlLANChC3EfprmBxyYluK6GQUl~gPXYHgkMrLNSWhyLSOlhkvud~Vv0tajjkOwZ-oL3Ls8jTAsXx90ajLUFeg1puF-gO3uTGvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Utah Legislature","date","2025-06-18T00:00:00Z","article","Rebecca Dilch, director of the Utah Broadband Center, told the Public Utilities, Energy and Technology Committee that changes at the federal level have forced the state to modify and relaunch a Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) grant round within a roughly 90‑day window. The state’s BEAD allocation — roughly $317 million for infrastructure — remains available, but guidance issued June 6 revised selection priorities and required the state to rerun the competitive process. \"We have 90 days to rerun this grant round,\" Dilch said, adding that the new guidance reduced or removed some scored items the state had used in its earlier selection.

Dilch also told the committee that the state’s $7.8 million allocation under the federal Digital Equity Act was effectively cancelled in the recent federal changes and will not be available to support device distribution, digital navigation and workforce training programs that had been planned. \"Two days after the digital opportunity grant that we named in the state of Utah, the funding was pulled,\" she said.

The Broadband Center reviewed results from the initial BEAD application process: more than 1,400 project funding areas, about 850 applications with 373 non‑duplicative proposals, and average requested per‑location costs that ranged widely; fiber applications averaged about $28,000 per broadband serviceable location, while non‑fiber proposals averaged ~ $10,000. Dilch emphasized Utah will use a mix of technologies — fiber, fixed wireless and low‑earth‑orbit satellite — but that fiber remains the long‑term scalable solution where it is cost‑effective. \"Fiber optics, once we get that in the ground, the cost to upgrade, to scale, to make it scalable is almost zero,\" she said.

Committee members raised concerns about affordability and municipal participation. Representative Peck asked whether the state would provide free service; Dilch said affordability programs exist but warned fully subsidizing service has sustainability tradeoffs and that providers typically require some subscriber contribution. Representative Shelley asked whether municipalities get priority; Dilch said the revised federal guidance removed scoring preferences for municipalities and that projects will be assessed on capability, cost, and scalability regardless of applicant type.

Dilch urged continued investments in digital navigation, device refurbishment programs and library‑based training to avoid leaving vulnerable residents behind as infrastructure is built. The center reported an initial state program will deliver fiber to about 3,500 households with separate state capital funds and that about 43,500 locations remain identified as lacking reliable broadband under the state’s mapping work.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Interim Committee - June 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Utah Broadband Center told lawmakers NTIA and program changes require the state to rerun a BEAD grant round within a short deadline; the center also reported loss of a Digital Equity Act allocation and stressed continued work on digital navigation and device programs.","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},6183024,"Utah lab signs MOUs with microreactor firms; lawmakers adopt resolution to back in‑state nuclear manufacturing",2087,2323000,4410000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5100689-c7c6e19f56ef08101311c26c6529aff7&start=2323&end=4410","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5100689-c7c6e19f56ef08101311c26c6529aff7/thumbnail_2323000.jpg","/articles/6183024/Utah/Utah-lab-signs-MOUs-with-microreactor-firms-lawmakers-adopt-resolution-to-back-instate-nuclear-manufacturing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6183024-0254da7a8c8b28028d27f02ac34caddc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770896399&Signature=kfIJpnjM32VaaqizVeCjq2SpaPOrXN0n3GQnLEuQ6g~E22tBwNomJV5dimb0TZZK-iyOQWYf4jKqQhB9PQC4743u11z2Hq2jZfhUiSSurla6QM4yhV7FZcvvLj~Kn5N9B6tkFgWk8TWcM5PyWQnUh6W~QC-EdT0qldiXfvt2BiTG9pJlOE3nTck3oN2dPyG7CEIm2ek7DdUglQoQP10FIIXvWREQGu7aRtbPRjFTLfV57leJ9ePpf7ozUoarLfPHokZq8fx~3hjr1fiQcHYTdVakGKgxn4gcxJT3B0pZTGqBuGDZ~O3WzXim5pr0WozcG65lYRjAAM1ttT91WULn0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Emmy (director), identified in committee remarks as a state energy office director working with the San Rafael Energy Lab, told the committee the state has signed memoranda of understanding with private companies including Valor Atomics and NuCube Energy to pursue test reactors and fuel‑cycle work at the lab in Emery County. \"Valor is one of the companies that we've entered into an MOU with, and they are hoping to site a test reactor at the San Rafael Energy Lab by 07/04/2026,\" Emmy said, describing the company's plan to produce heat and synthetic fuels as well as to scale multiple reactors at \"giga sites.\"

Dr. Jaren Wallace, director of the Center for the Energy Lab in Orangeville, said the lab already hosts a mix of energy pilots and partners — including companies pursuing graphite production and battery recycling — and aims to add nuclear test capabilities while staying a multi‑technology proving ground. Emmy and Wallace said other partners include NuSano (medical isotopes and HA‑LEU work) and Holtec (workforce/SMR interest). \"We have national attention,\" Emmy said, adding the lab can shorten timelines relative to larger national labs.

Representative Albrecht introduced a concurrent resolution expressing the Legislature's desire to support advanced nuclear manufacturing in Utah. He said Utah has existing resources — a zirconium cladding plant in Ogden, the White Mesa mill, and regional uranium mines — and that the resolution signals to potential investors that the state welcomes industry. After brief committee discussion, a motion was made and the committee adopted the proposal as a committee bill; the chair ruled the motion passed on a voice vote. The transcript records a unanimous voice vote but no roll call tally.

Public commenters offered contrasting views. Jeff Hartley, a lobbyist who spoke in favor, noted prior federal efforts to incentivize fuel reprocessing and said industry seeks states that publicly welcome the supply chain. \"This is a big deal, for those industries,\" he said in support of the resolution. Steve Erickson, a longtime volunteer with Downwinders, urged caution and said Utah has a difficult nuclear history; he called for a ‘‘prove it first’’ approach and robust public engagement. Lexi Tundenham (online) also urged informed public dialogue and attention to waste and long‑term storage.

Committee members discussed next steps: Representative Albrecht said the resolution communicates to companies that Utah is a willing partner, and the chair instructed staff to continue coordination with the Office of Energy Development, county partners and the San Rafael Energy Lab.","The San Rafael Energy Lab and private firms such as Valor Atomics and NuCube Energy are pursuing test reactors and fuel‑cycle work in Emery County; the committee voted to adopt a concurrent resolution supporting advanced nuclear manufacturing in Utah.",{"_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},6183028,"Federal executive orders aim to speed U.S. nuclear deployment; Utah official briefs committee on implications",1531,125000,1656000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5100689-c7c6e19f56ef08101311c26c6529aff7&start=125&end=1656","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5100689-c7c6e19f56ef08101311c26c6529aff7/thumbnail_125000.jpg","/articles/6183028/Utah/Federal-executive-orders-aim-to-speed-US-nuclear-deployment-Utah-official-briefs-committee-on-implications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6183028-0016b13150b4ad4ed87d650563572542/orig.mp4?Expires=1770896399&Signature=PF7gZP8LIzZG1cKr4fJlWtTlo4U5HwSQcn5e53dZ6VdkEZ6m9qjKQWICxcdRhHLDAkHl2IooMCMi8aZS3eK1KsvyfUVmdmzYbJkGhyJ71HN-~8g0MXkTYtOFwjJiUmia54-QyBblBe3AbXcMe3k8k5gwhGat8Fv6oHHC1T0q35BAWZ1IBhOflx52KRQ3qQHtqd1yNkY7h719~EVtBF4SjjpWz3v6B~i-PSfJPbgl2FzTxtQSq09LvuD5zDFzCwkcA7rySiLMND0Aez1WBZc8l8FCqKEdQoMekgqh7P59bua~czTEhZHnBiVyM9vj9V4IVU~VOANBbPNErh-C90J4Bw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dusty Monks, director of nuclear programs at the Utah Office of Energy Development, told the Public Utilities, Energy and Technology Committee that four recent presidential executive orders direct a sweeping effort to revive U.S. commercial nuclear energy and cited national security and energy resilience as the core motivation. \"In conjunction with domestic fossil fuel production, nuclear energy can liberate America from dependence on geopolitical rivals,\" Monks said, reading from the orders. He added the orders call the U.S. commercial deployment of nuclear technology \"all but stopped domestically\" and note that \"87% of reactors installed since 2017 are based on designs from two foreign countries.\"

Monks said the orders seek regulatory certainty, stronger domestic fuel-cycle infrastructure, workforce expansion and an export push. He outlined specific targets directed at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC): an 18‑month deadline for a new reactor license decision, a 12‑month cap for renewing an existing reactor license and a requirement that the NRC create a high‑volume licensing path for micro and small modular reactors. \"These are deadlines, not guidelines,\" Monks said, noting current review times average three to four years.

He warned about capital sensitivity for nuclear projects, using the Vogtle units as an example: \"One‑day delay on that type of a project is $2,000,000,\" Monks said, to explain why the orders propose fee caps and time limits as incentives to shorten reviews. The executive orders also question the continued use of the linear no‑threshold (LNT) model and the ALARA standard for radiation exposure, calling the models scientifically flawed in places and asking agencies to develop more ‘‘scientifically based’’ exposure guidance.

Monks reviewed additional agency directives the orders contain: DOE authority to self‑regulate some test reactors, DOE and DOD timelines to site and operate demonstration reactors on federal sites and U.S. export initiatives that would shorten DOE export review timelines to about 30 days. He said the orders direct the use of the Defense Production Act for bulk purchases of HA‑LEU (high‑assay low‑enriched uranium) and call for a draft plan to expand U.S. conversion and enrichment capacity.

Several lawmakers asked how Utah could participate. Senator Sandel asked for three bullet points on how the state could engage; Monks pointed to expected federal funding flows, greater availability of federal lands or DOE sites for siting, and the need to prepare state permitting and workforce programs. \"We have federal lands that could be opportunities to site a reactor or a facility,\" he said. Representative Peck asked whether industry had already approached Utah; Monks said Utah has been receiving interest from vendors and stressed the state’s uranium mining and milling assets and existing facilities.

Monks concluded that the orders set aggressive national targets — demo reactors by 2026, full‑scale builds underway by 2030 and a quadrupling of U.S. nuclear capacity by 2050 — and that the central challenge will be balancing speed with uncompromising safety if agencies implement the reforms.","The Utah Office of Energy Development summarized four recent presidential executive orders directing faster licensing, supply-chain rebuilding and export initiatives for nuclear energy and outlined possible state roles and timelines.","actionData","errors"]

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Federal changes force Utah to rerun broadband grant round; state aims to preserve fiber priority and digital access work

Utah lab signs MOUs with microreactor firms; lawmakers adopt resolution to back in‑state nuclear manufacturing

Federal executive orders aim to speed U.S. nuclear deployment; Utah official briefs committee on implications