Representative Carl Albrecht
July 1, 2026
America 250: Celebrate Utah’s Story at the New Museum of Utah
As we celebrate Independence Day and look ahead to America’s 250th Anniversary, we remember what July 4 marks: the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the belief that our rights do not come from government, but that government exists to protect them. That idea shaped the birth of our nation and remains our responsibility to preserve today.
In Utah, Pioneer Day (July 24th) gives us another opportunity to honor the faith, resilience, and determination of those who helped build the state we proudly call home. This year, Utahns have a new place to reflect on that story. The Museum of Utah is now open at the Capitol Complex, giving families, students, and visitors a place to explore the people, events, cultures, and ideas that shaped our state. The 17,000-square-foot museum is home to 950 items from Utah’s 30,000-artifact collection, 21 interactive displays and the Mormon Meteor III, the legendary race car that set land speed records on the Bonneville Salt Flats. The museum is free to the public and open seven days a week.
The Museum of Utah is located in the North Capitol Building at 450 N. State Street in Salt Lake City. I encourage you to visit this summer, bring your family, and take part in the many celebrations and local events happening throughout July as Utah and the nation prepare for America’s 250th Anniversary.
Your Voice at the Capitol
The work of the General Session begins long before January, and June interim meetings gave us another opportunity to study the issues Utah families and communities are facing. Committee work during the Interim is where ideas are debated and refined before they ever become bills. This month, we reviewed agency reports, examined how state programs are performing, and asked questions about what is working, what is not, and where taxpayer dollars can be used more effectively.
Those discussions are essential to policymaking. Whether the issue is public safety, economic development, government efficiency, energy, natural resources, or long-term planning for Utah’s communities, the goal is the same: make sure state government is focused, accountable, and delivering real results for the people we serve.
There are no Interim meetings in July, but we will be back at the Capitol on August 18 and 19. I hope to see you there in person, or you can follow along with all committees live at le.utah.gov.
Keeping Our Communities Safe
Utah, we need your help. Our firefighters need your help. This has been one of the driest and most volatile fire seasons our state has ever seen. Nearly 400 wildfires have already burned. More acres than all of last year, and 80% have been human-caused, which means many were preventable.
We also mourn the loss of three firefighters who answered the call to protect others and made the ultimate sacrifice on the Fires near the Utah/Colorado Border.
Please follow local fire restrictions and use extreme caution. Visit the Utah Fire Sense website for up-to-date information on fire restrictions, current fire conditions, and prevention tips. Together, we can keep our communities and state safe.
Setting our Students Up for Success
As Representatives, setting our children up for success through quality education is one of our top priorities. That commitment is reflected in the historic policies we have passed over the last several years. As a Legislature, we’ve increased public education funding by $1.8 billion over the past five years, raised teacher pay, and invested in key programs that help prepare our students for tomorrow’s workforce. Though we’ve made significant investments to strengthen our education system, the work isn’t done. Classroom size is a real issue in our school, especially for our youngest learners. Throughout the Interim, we’re exploring ways to give students more individual attention and teachers more support. This is the beginning of a collaborative effort to ensure our students and teachers have the focus and resources they need to thrive not only in our schools, but throughout their lives.
50,000 Acres in Book Cliffs for Public Access, Hunting, and Wildlife
In a historic win for our public lands, Utah has permanently secured public access to more than 50,000 acres of wildlife-rich land in the rugged Book Cliffs roadless area of northern Grand County. This massive acquisition was made possible by a $50 million allocation from the Legislature and the streamlined land-transfer process established through H.B. 262 (2024). Renamed the Book Cliffs Roadless Wildlife Management Area, this permanently protects world-class hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation for Utahns. By securing these lands now, we are providing a massive boost for our state while ensuring future generations can experience one of our state’s most remarkable landscapes. The state also preserved mineral rights and grazing rights for our producers and possible mineral extraction.
The $50 million used to purchase this land will be put directly into classrooms through Utah’s Trust Land Administration. This is a win for recreation and a win for public schools.
Cottonwood Fire Update
This fire in Beaver and Piute Counties has been devastating. Cabins, condos, and the Eagle Point Ski Lodge, timber, cattle, and wildlife have all been lost. As I write this on July 1st at 9:00 p.m. I just came from a public meeting in Junction. Great Basin Team Five who is managing the fire, gave an update. The good news is that the fire is now 20% contained. The bad news is that approximately 150 structures were lost. Approximately 130 structures survived.
Federal forest management policies must improve. We lost 40-50 years of active timber management. This cannot go on. Significant change to the way our forests are managed must be enacted.
Enjoy July 4th and 24th celebrations with your families. Please be safe. May God bless Utah and the United States of America.
It’s an honor to serve you.
Representative Carl Albrecht
Utah House of Representatives
District 70
465-979-6578
