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House passes rural natural gas expansion bill, citing economic benefits for underserved towns
Summary
House Bill 129, which broadens the Energy Resource Procurement Act definition of rural gas infrastructure to include acquisition, extension and expansion of natural-gas utility facilities into underserved areas, passed 74–0 after sponsor Representative Watkins said it would help towns such as Green River and Eureka.
Representative Watkins presented substitute House Bill 129 to amend the Energy Resource Procurement Act so that "rural gas infrastructure development" includes acquisition, extension and expansion of natural-gas utility facilities to serve previously underserved rural areas. Watkins said lack of natural gas has constrained economic growth in towns such as Green River and Eureka and urged colleagues who "love rural Utah" to support the bill.
Members including Representative Ferry and Representative Albrecht spoke in favor, citing local experiences with high heating costs and development constraints where natural gas is unavailable. Watkins described local economic-stability and housing development prospects tied to expanded utility access.
The House voted 74–0 to pass HB 129; the bill will now be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
