Tooele County Economic Opportunities Board members discussed energy planning on Aug. 21, including efforts to create an energy overlay zone under recently passed state legislation and county steps to attract new sources of generation.

A county participant said the commission passed a resolution “for alternate power uses” this week and referenced House Bill 249, which they said allows counties to establish energy zones without changing underlying land-use categories. “Because of the house bill 2 49 that was passed this year, that allows for counties to, create these energy zones,” the speaker said.

Board members and staff described coordinated work with the state and federal agencies. Speakers said the Department of Energy and the Bureau of Land Management are conducting studies to map the best areas for solar, wind, and other energy projects based on factors such as floodplains and fault lines. The county indicated it is talking with state and federal partners — including representatives of the Department of Energy — to position Tooele County for possible deployment of modern small-scale nuclear plants, solar and wind installations.

Participants emphasized the county is considering a broad set of energy technologies rather than a single option and that public education will be needed. “We are talking energy as a whole, not just nuclear,” a county speaker said, noting the county expects a state education campaign on nuclear technology. Board members said they see energy and power availability as critical constraints on industrial growth and that first-mover positioning could help attract employers.

No formal policy decision was taken by the board at the meeting. Officials said the county plans to present an energy-overlay-zone proposal to the county council in the near term and will continue coordination with state and federal agencies and with municipal partners.