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Committee advances S.B. 254 to boost Utah critical‑minerals strategy, amid environmental caution

Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee · February 9, 2026
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Summary

S.B. 254 would create a Critical Minerals Council, expedite permitting for mining and foster a shared 'mine center' for processing and testing; the committee favorably recommended the bill after testimony from regulators and industry, with conservation groups urging environmental safeguards.

Senators in the Natural Resources committee voted to favorably recommend S.B. 254, a bill that authorizes the state to develop a strategic approach to critical minerals by creating a coordinating council, expediting permitting, facilitating "critical mineral zones," and building a university‑linked mine center for testing and workforce development.

Sponsor Senator Milner said Utah likely has dozens of minerals on the federal critical‑minerals list and argued the state should pursue a…

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