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House backs Utah State University center to promote landscape water conservation
Summary
The House approved HB 30 establishing a Center for Landscape Water Management at Utah State University to research and disseminate efficient landscaping practices; the bill passed 49-21 and goes to the Senate.
The Utah House approved a bill to create a Center for Landscape Water Management at Utah State University aimed at reducing water waste in urban and rural landscapes.
Representative Judy M. Buffmeier, sponsor of House Bill 30, told members the center would gather and share best practices through extension offices statewide, offering training and developing low-water turf and tree-water-use research. "The center will gather and disseminate information and training through their extension offices throughout the state to improve the efficient use of water on lawns, gardens, parks, golf courses..." she said, emphasizing no bricks-and-mortar funding would be provided.
Members questioned why the bill came to this floor calendar rather than appropriations; Buffmeier explained bill assignments reflect where leadership believes the topic best fits. Representative Evan Olson, a co-sponsor, said the program is "paramount in Utah today," pointing to heavy landscape-water use and growth pressures.
The bill passed the House on a 49-21 vote and will be referred to the Senate for consideration. Sponsors highlighted the center's research priorities, including tree water-use requirements, development of alternative low-water turfs and long-term workforce training for water conservation roles.
