House adopts first substitute for natural-resources base budget, authorizing restricted-account water purchase for Great Salt Lake

The Utah House adopted a first substitute to House Bill 5 on Jan. 28, advancing the state’s base budget for natural resources, agriculture and environmental quality and approving an appropriation from a restricted account to purchase water directed at Great Salt Lake restoration efforts.

Representative Barlow, presenting HB 5, said the FY2027 bill appropriates roughly $1.1 billion in total for the relevant agencies, including $163,000,000 from the general fund. Representative Michael J. Peterson offered a first substitute to correct technical language (including nonlapsing intent language) and to add an appropriation from an existing restricted-account balance to purchase water. Representative Cutler questioned whether the change would allow purchase of water rights tied to a widely reported US Magnesium transaction; the sponsor confirmed it would.

Representative Peterson described the purchase as a strategic use of funds set aside five years earlier to add water into the Great Salt Lake. After debate, the House adopted the first substitute and voted to pass the substituted bill by a voice/roll-style tally announced as 71 yes, 0 no; the measure will be transmitted to the Senate.

Next steps: HB 5 (first substitute) moves to the Senate for further consideration.