Senate approves bill encouraging use of federal energy corridors before eminent domain

The Utah Senate on Day 21 passed Second Substitute Senate Bill 61, the energy corridor amendments, by a 24–0 vote with five senators absent.

The bill directs transmission planners and developers to consider existing federal energy corridors as a first option before selecting routes that would invoke eminent domain on private property. Sponsor Senator Owens described the substitute as a reporting and siting‑preference requirement rather than a change that would block infrastructure development.

Why it matters: The measure affects how utilities consider routes for new transmission lines and the sequence of options before using eminent domain. Sponsors and staff said the language was crafted with utilities to avoid inadvertently delaying necessary projects.

Debate and sponsor responses: Senator Cullimore asked whether the requirement could slow infrastructure work by forcing utilities to seek federal regulatory approvals first. Senator Owens said the original draft might have raised that risk but the second substitute limits the change to a requirement to review federal corridors and attempt corridor use in a nearby alignment before exercising eminent domain. “The answer to your question is no,” the sponsor said on the floor, adding that the substitute should not “hinder, stop or slow” projects in practice.

Final action: Second Substitute Senate Bill 61 passed by roll call, 24 yay, 0 nay, 5 absent. The bill will be sent to the House for consideration.

The Senate continued with additional bills after the vote.