Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Energy Curriculum topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House approves bill to create industry advisory group and energy curriculum for K–12
Summary
Second substitute HB 157 creates an industry advisory group for an energy curriculum developed by the Office of Energy Development, with materials and teacher training offered free and voluntary for schools; the measure passed unanimously on the floor.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House on Monday approved second substitute HB 157, which directs the Office of Energy Development to develop voluntary K–12 curriculum about energy and creates an industry advisory group to consult on materials and workforce ties.
Representative Jack, sponsor of the bill, said the measure formalizes an existing state policy that the Office of Energy Development should develop curriculum explaining energy development. The bill renames the industry panel the “advisory group” (not a commission or board) and makes clear industry members will organize and fund the advisory group themselves, the sponsor said.
“This sub only changes the name of that industry group that will be advising the curriculum development,” the sponsor said during floor remarks. The bill calls for curriculum to be made available at no charge to science teachers and for professional‑development opportunities so teachers can maintain licensure. The sponsor also said the bill coordinates with TalentReady workforce development so students can be prepared for jobs in energy fields.
Representative Thurston praised the sponsor for avoiding creation of a new board, commission or task force and for limiting additional workload on legislative and executive branches. Representative Perucci said she supported the measure and called expanding students' understanding of energy infrastructure important to ongoing state priorities.
Representative Jack said there is no fiscal note and that the industry will fund its advisory group work on its own dime. The House voted to pass second substitute HB 157, 73‑0. The bill will proceed to the Utah Senate.
Why it matters: The measure aims to expand energy literacy among K–12 students and strengthen workforce pathways into energy jobs while keeping advisory involvement industry‑led and voluntary for teachers.
Next steps: HB 157 goes to the Senate for further consideration.
