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House approves statewide soil-health program, HB296
Summary
The House passed second substitute House Bill 296 to create a Department of Agriculture-administered soil health program and enable local conservation districts to pursue federal funding; the bill carries an ongoing fiscal note of roughly $265,000 for two staff positions.
The Utah House on Feb. 18 passed second substitute House Bill 296, establishing a statewide soil-health program administered through the Department of Agriculture and coordinated via the Utah Conservation Council and local soil conservation districts. The bill passed the House 62-3 and will be transmitted to the Senate.
Representative Ferry, sponsor of the bill, described it as a program to protect soil and water resources, bolster the state's food supply, and support farmers through practices such as cover crops and minimal tillage. "Good soil promotes water retention," he said, and the program will help conservation districts access federal funds from the USDA and NRCS. Ferry said the state has about 1,500,000 acres of tillable ground that would benefit from stewardship.
Members asked technical and fiscal questions. Representative Veil Peterson asked how the bill addressed "tired" soil; Ferry said the promoted practices would restore nutrients and productivity. Representative Mike Peterson asked about costs; Ferry said legislative analysts estimate two statewide employees and some Attorney General work, with an ongoing fiscal note of about $265,000 to administer the program.
After the sponsor's summation the House voted 62-3 on the second substitute and transmitted HB296 to the Senate.
Next steps: HB296 goes to the Senate for consideration; implementation will involve the Department of Agriculture, conservation districts and potential federal funding draws.
