2024 Legislative Summary

2024 Summary

Passed Bills With Potential to Negatively Impact Air Quality Progress

HB 191 Electrical Energy Amendments. Rep. Jack. Requires PSC to act in accordance with "state energy policy", limits PSC ability to initiate early retirement of powerplant, potentially prolonging the operation of powerplants that adversely impact air and climate.

HB 373 Environmental Quality Amendments. Rep. Snider. Repeals the Air Quality Policy Advisory Board. Requires DEQ to meet with the Federalism Commission to discuss industry needs, department needs, EPA regulations that affect industry, and "any other issue related to the environment or functioning of DEQ". Broadens the sales and use tax exemption for pollution control equipment.

HB 470 Federal Agency Regulatory Review Amendments. Rep. Snider. DAQ will need to track and report any EPA air quality actions that used the Chevron Deference in ruling.

HB 534 Boards and Commissions Modifications. Rep. Musselman. Repeals the Air Quality Policy Advisory Board, effective 5/1/24.

SB 57 Utah Constitutional Sovereignty Act. Sen. Sandall, Rep. Ivory. Establishes a framework for the legislature by concurrent resolution to prohibit the enforcement of a federal directive within the state by government officers if the legislature determines the federal directive violates the principles of state sovereignty, and describes some ways in which such directives could violate the principles of state sovereignty.

Passed Bills With Positive Impact

HB 124 High Cost Infrastructure Development Tax Credit. Rep. Albrecht, Sen. Owens. Expands tax credit eligibility for certain "clean" energy projects. Potentially reduces emissions by encouraging and incentivizing clean energy projects.