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Utah House adopts broad 'vision statement' with environmental and moral language
Summary
The Utah House on Jan. 18 approved a statewide vision statement (HCR 6), adding language to emphasize environmental concerns and 'positive moral values' after debate over local control and global responsibility; the resolution passed the House 70–1 and moves to the Senate.
The Utah House of Representatives approved House Concurrent Resolution 6 on Jan. 18, adopting a broad statewide vision statement and sending the amended measure to the Senate. Representative Kim R. Birmingham, sponsor of the resolution, said the proposal grew from a bipartisan strategic-planning committee and public hearings across the state.
"Instead of worrying about the future, let us labor to create it," Birmingham said, urging colleagues to view the resolution as an initial step in a longer process of benchmarking and implementation.
Members debated several amendments that sought to clarify the scope of the vision. Representative Wright moved to remove the word "global," arguing that such language risked ceding local control over land and natural-resource decisions; that motion failed in division, 16–48. Representative Anderson then proposed inserting the word "environmental" after the word "social," and a second amendment added language to "promote positive moral values." Both of those changes carried after members divided the question and voted on each portion separately.
Supporters said the document is purposely broad at this stage. Birmingham described the resolution as step one in a four-step process that will move from a general vision to benchmarks, action plans and evaluation. Representative Fuller called it "a good piece of work," while Representative Bruningham said the measure helps the Legislature move from short-term crisis response to long-range planning.
Opponents cautioned against overly general language. Representative Fuller warned it risked becoming "platitudinous busywork," and Representative Birmingham later acknowledged the resolution had been softened through committee amendments but said the addition of an evaluation requirement before implementation would follow in subsequent steps.
The House approved HCR 6, as amended, 70–1. The resolution will proceed to the Senate for further consideration.
