Utah Senate approves bill limiting local bans on specific utility services amid climate debate

The Utah Senate on Feb. 11 approved first substitute H.B. 17, legislation the sponsor said is intended to preserve consumer choice in how homes and businesses receive energy services.

Senator Hinkins, the bill sponsor, told colleagues the substitute reflected a compromise negotiated with stakeholders and aimed to prevent local governments from forbidding specific utility types such as natural gas, arguing such bans could reduce competition and raise costs for residents who rely on gas for backup power. "This bill is about preserving customer choice in deployment of the use of, energy sources from all sources," he said.

Supporters said the measure protects affordability and reliability. Senator Winterton said Utah should remain "all of the above" given the state's natural-gas resources, and senators argued the bill avoids saddling residents with higher housing costs.

Opponents framed the bill as limiting municipal authority to pursue decarbonization measures. Senator Kitchen said she would vote no, arguing building emissions are set to overtake tailpipe emissions and "I frankly, standing with my constituents and many other groups on this, don't believe that gas industry should be shaping the policy for Utah families." Kitchen said local tools are needed to address climate concerns.

After discussion and a call of the question, the Senate recorded a roll-call vote to read H.B. 17 a third time. The clerk announced the motion carried with 25 yeas and 4 nays.

The bill will be enrolled and transmitted for the governor’s consideration according to the Senate's usual enrollment process.